BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department started as a sub-Department under the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in 1974. In 1978, it produced its first set of graduates. In 1981, it gained its autonomy as a fully fledged Department. Dr. P.A. Nwachukwu (as he then was) was the pioneer Head of Department. The Department was until 2005 called and referred to as Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages. In 2005, the senate approved a new name for it (as above entitled). The Department has since its inception graduated over 30 doctoral candidates, hundreds of Masters and thousands of bachelors who are well placed and developing the society. 

The Department has progressively designed and redesigned its programmes to meet the challenges of our society. Hence, it runs three degree programmes, namely, B.A. Linguistics, B.A. Igbo Studies and B.A.  Linguistics and Igbo Studies.  These programmes are designed to suit candidates with School Certificates and General Certificates in Education and those Certificates in Education and Diplomas in relevant areas as approved by the University Senate. Each of the above programme can therefore, be run in three years  or years depending on the qualification of the applicant. Consequently, the Department runs a four year and three year B.A. programme in Linguistics, Linguistics and Igbo, and Igbo Studies. The three year programme starts with the second year programme of the standard four year programme.

PHILOSOPHY

In keeping with the motto of the University of Nigeria, the philosophy of the Department is to enable man know and understand himself and his environment through the study of linguistics and language. The discipline exposes the students to the multi-disciplinary and interlocking nature of the human society in their use of language. The programme furnishes the students with a life-long education that they can adapt in infinite ways to their chosen careers in life. It lays emphases on linguistics and the Nigerian languages. Consequently, the objectives of the various programmes are as follows:

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The three programmes of the Department with the ultimate aim of becoming full fledged Departments are established with the following aims and objectives:

B.A. IGBO STUDIES

a)  To expose students to various aspects of Igbo Linguistics, Igbo Literature and culture with a        view to helping them achieve greater competence and sophistication in their understanding and appreciation of the values inherent in these aspects.

b)  To train them to be able to apply their knowledge for the advancement of their society.

c)  To prepare them for further studies in the discipline and for other relevant careers.

d)  To be able to engage in simultaneous broadcasting and translation and interpreting in Igbo.

e)  To be efficient Igbo editors and publishers with the skills acquired through the study of Igbo grammar.

B.A.  LINGUISTICS

a)  To equip students with a sound knowledge of the principles and current theories and practices of linguistics.

b)  To train them to be able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in solving language related tasks and problems, particularly in their environments.

c)  To prepare them for further studies in teaching, media, speech and hearing remediation and language engineering.

d)  To prepare them for further studies in the discipline and for other relevant careers.

e)  To be able to engage in simultaneous broadcasting and translation and interpreting.

f)  To be efficient Igbo editors and publishers with the skills acquired through linguistics.

B.A. Linguistics and Igbo Studies

The programme is designed to effectively combine the objectives of the B.A. Linguistics listed above and Igbo studies programme outlined above.

B.A. Linguistics and Ibibio Studies

The programme is designed to effectively combine the objectives of the B.A. Linguistics listed above and Ibibio studies programme.

B.A. Linguistics and Hausa Studies

The programme is designed to effectively combine the objectives of the B.A. Linguistics listed above and Hausa studies programme.

B.A. LINGUISTICS AND IGBO STUDIES

The programme is designed to effectively combine the objectives of the B.A. Linguistics listed above and Yoruba studies programme.

SCOPE

The programmes lead to the award of B.A. Igbo Studies, B.A. Linguistics, B.A. Linguistics and Igbo Studies, B.A. Linguistics and Ibibio Studies, B.A. Linguistics and Hausa Studies, B.A. Linguistics and Hausa Studies, and B.A. Linguistics and Yoruba Studies. For that standard four year programme, the students are first introduced to the general principles and concerns of linguistics before they are introduced into many areas of specialization where linguistics is practiced theoretically or where it forms the superstructure of the areas of specialization. Participation of students in field work and laboratory practice is mandatory.

Introductory courses in Linguistics are available as service courses in the first year for students of English, Languages, Mass Communication and other departments which need them.

Job Opportunities 

The programme are designed to produce the following categories of suitably qualified manpower needed for national development:

a)  Teachers of Igbo, Hausa, Ibibio, Yoruba and Linguistics ( with professional teaching qualification)

b) Translator and Interpreters

c) Media Practitioners

d) Creative Writers

e) Cultural, Information and Ethnographic Officers

f) Editors and Publishers

g) Language Planners and Language Engineers

h) Lexicographers

GENERAL INFORMATION

The candidates for the four year programmes must obtain a credit pass in English in addition to the University minimum entry requirements. Candidates for Linguistics must have a credit pass in Literature in English. Candidates for Igbo Studies or Linguistics and Igbo Studies  must obtain a credit pass in Igbo. Candidates for Linguistics and Hausa, Ibibio or Yoruba studies must obtain a credit pass in English, and Hausa, Ibibio or Yoruba respectively. In special circumstances candidates with OND may be offered admission for a four year programme in Linguistics, Igbo Studies, Linguistics and Igbo Studies, Linguistics and Hausa Studies, Linguistics and Ibibio Studies or Linguistics and Yoruba Studies.

The three year programme by direct entry: Candidates for the three year programme must have obtained passes in relevant Nigeria languages or any other language and at least one other subject at HSC NCE or GCE/A Level or its equivalent.

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