Scaffolding English Language for Averting Revolution Via Social Media in Nigeria: Its Pedagogical Implications

Abstract

This study examines the essential roles of the English language in averting revolution via social media in Nigeria. The fact remains that human beings cannot live independently without the support of one another. On the process of actualising their communicative, creative and collaborative tendencies, they encounter frictions and factions as a result of their ideological, philosophical, cultural, educational, economic and religious divergences. In every society across the globe, there is a socio-strata which enables all members of the same society to know their rightful places. Within this cycle, there are governors and the governed. The gap that divides the duo is principally responsible for class clamour or conflict that breeds revolution. The class struggle or supremacy has endlessly thrived in most human societies for decades, and the need to perpetually make every possible effort at embracing peaceful co-existence, the existing differences notwithstanding, cannot be undermined. Language holds significant power in shaping societal dynamics, influencing political discourse, and facilitating communication across various sectors. Nigeria, as a diverse nation with numerous ethnic and linguistic groups, relies heavily on the English language as its lingua franca. In conjunction with this, technology has immensely facilitated ease, speed and tremendous output in information dissemination globally. Of course, the era of assessing governmental and non-governmental propaganda and plans is no longer limited to rallies, symposia, workshops and conferences in halls or via telecommunication media. In this regard, this paper examines the significance of scaffolding the English language to foster communication, promote understanding, and avert potential conflicts in Nigeria via social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, among others). The author gathered the relevant data through both primary (questionnaire) and secondary (books) sources. The findings of the research reveal that English remains the dominant linguistic tool in social media that can be positively manipulated to make Nigerians strategise, restrategise and ‘destrategise’ so as to actualise a NEW Nigeria; reduce inter-ethnic tensions and promote dialogue using the various social media platforms for information dissemination.