From streets to classrooms: How Nigeria can harness ‘street language’ for education

Nigeria is home to over 20 million vulnerable and neglected children. Many of these children have become disillusioned with society and have turned to the ‘streets’ as a means of survival.

However, media specialists believe their language and culture can be a powerful tool in reconnecting them with society, especially back into the schooling system.

Street/Gang language is a unique dialect that is used by gang members to communicate with each other. It is a language that is often shrouded in mystery and is exclusive to those who are part of the gang.

Out-of-school children often feel neglected and disconnected from society and are more likely to be swayed by the allure of gangs. However, by using gang language, social workers and counselors can connect with these children on their own terms. This language can be used to build trust and establish a rapport with these children.

Similarly, the government can leverage street language to empower neglected and out-of-school children.

According to media specialists, by teaching them how to express themselves in a positive way, society can help them to build confidence and self-esteem, which can also be a powerful tool in helping the neglected and out-of-school children to break free from the cycle of poverty and neglect.

According to a media specialist who spoke on condition of anonymity, this language can also be used to empower neglected children and help them to build confidence and self-esteem.

“Let us harness the power of gang language to make a positive impact on the lives of neglected and out-of-school children in Nigeria.”

Chukwudinma Taiwo Okoji, lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, told BDSunday that the Ministry of Education should see to it that the authorities in departments of linguistics and languages come up with an indigenous dictionary that will accommodate every jargon, slang and street register.

According to him, disparaging every street language, even ‘swear words’ should stop. Rather, neglected and out-of-school children should be taught how to use these words in a constructive manner.

“We have the western words categorising some words into what they refer to as “F” words and kids, as soon as they are old enough to talk, are taught how forbidden such words are. This can be done in Nigeria as well,” Okoji said.

Speaking further, Okoji said that children, in-school, as well as out-of- school; need to have a feeling of inclusion in the programme of every nation. He said this will go a long way in the reconnection programme.

“Language register has been a unifying factor among different people as well as different bodies of occupation. Medical language, legal language, language of journalism, street language and so on. These are terms and words a specific group of people use. Others might find them difficult to understand,” Okoji said.

He further said that there are many ways Nigeria can leverage street/gang language as a bargaining chip to bring back and reconnect neglected and out-of- school children back into the society.

According to him, identifying with neglected and out-of-school children by using some of their ‘jargons’ in education and in rehabilitation centres will not only make them feel relaxed, but will also bring smiles to their faces as they will feel loved, which will displace the feeling of rejection that they have had for a long time.

Ezekiel Olajimbiti, Nigerian linguist based in Luneburg, Germany, told BDSunday that findings from his recent study revealed that neglected and out-of-school children frequently use linguistic strategies to evoke sympathy, downplay the severity of their actions, and highlight shared struggles.

According to him, these strategies enable them to rationalise their behaviours within the context of survival and adaptation to street life.

Olajimbiti told BDSunday that his pivotal research project at the Institute of English Studies, Leuphana University, supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation as a George Forster Research Fellow, focuses on decoding the linguistic codes of street gangs in Nigeria.

He said that the study aims to re-engage with the over 20 million out-of-school children in the country who often turn to street life and gangs for identity and survival. According to him, the research employs participant observation and interviews with 104 street children, utilising Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to uncover the narratives and ideologies within their conversations.

Olajimbiti’s research aims to uncover how Nigerian street children use language to construct their identities and navigate their harsh realities. According to him, his previous work at Federal University Lokoja highlighted the importance of gang-specific linguistic codes in maintaining covert communication, identity, and solidarity within these groups.

By deciphering these codes, Olajimbiti believes that it is possible to bridge the communication gap, providing a pathway to reach and rehabilitate the over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Speaking further, he disclosed that a significant portion of the study examines the Yoruba cultural context, which traditionally holds high expectations for child upbringing and moral behavior.

Olajimbiti contrasts these cultural norms with the harsh realities faced by street children, who often view their actions as necessary responses to societal neglect and inequality. According to him, the study highlighted how the children’s discourse reflects their cognitive processes and social realities, revealing a deep sense of marginalization and a struggle for survival.

The linguist said further that while many studies have focused on sociological, clinical, anthropological, and psychological aspects of street children, few have delved into the specificities of their language. The study argues that it is necessary to interrogate the language use of street children. “Our inability to understand the implicit meanings of their discourse and belief system may foster the persistence of streetism in Nigerian society.”

Olajimbiti’s discourse analytical tool addresses this gap by examining the linguistics of deviance and street identities these children construct that characterise and contextualise their socio-cultural experiences and their ideological implications. His research emphasizes that understanding these linguistic elements is crucial for creating effective intervention programs.

According to him, the research underscores the need for a broad understanding of the cognitive and social processes that shape the lives of street children. He said that by analyzing their discourse, the society can adopt more effective and empathetic policies and interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of deviance and providing support for the reintegration of street children into society.

Olajimbiti said that the study emphasised the importance of culturally sensitive approaches that consider the lived experiences and perspectives of the children. Accordingly, the research includes detailed case studies that illustrate the various ways street children navigate their environments and construct their identities.

“For instance, children often discuss their involvement in petty theft or begging as means of survival, highlighting the lack of alternative opportunities and support systems. These narratives provide a compelling insight into the daily challenges and coping mechanisms of street children, offering valuable information for policymakers and social workers,” he said.

Olajimbiti’s research is not only vital for Nigeria but also holds significance for other societies facing similar challenges with out-of-school children. He said that by decoding the linguistic codes and understanding the constructed identities of the children, the study aims to reduce crime and promote a peaceful, inclusive society.

“The findings will offer valuable insights into the socio-cultural experiences and ideological implications of street children, contributing to global efforts in addressing this pervasive issue.”

He disclosed further that the study advocated for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issues faced by out-of-school children, including improved access to education, healthcare, and social services.

The research, according to him, suggested that interventions should not only focus on immediate needs but also aim to create long-term solutions that address the underlying social and economic factors contributing to child homelessness and deviance. “By fostering an environment that supports holistic development, the study highlights the potential for significant positive change in the lives of street children,” Olajimbiti said.

Accordingly, he disclosed that the research offers a profound look into the lives of street children in Southwestern Nigeria, highlighting the critical need for informed and compassionate responses to their plight.

“By understanding the ideological construction of deviance in their discourse, the study provides a foundation for developing effective strategies to support and reintegrate street children, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

“This research not only adds to the academic discourse but also calls for practical actions to improve the welfare and future prospects of street children in Nigeria,” Olajimbiti said.

The effects of gang/street language in Nigeria’s education sector are far-reaching and have significant consequences for academic performance, social mobility, and community relations. Similarly, it is essential to address the use of gang language in schools and promote a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity.