Linguistic Contribution to Nation Building and Development in Cameroon, 1916-2016

This study examines the contribution of English language (a colonial cultural heritage) to nation building and development in Cameroon. After the defeat of the Germans in 1916, the British and the French established a condominium over the territory which eventually led to its partition. The British and French transported their political, social, cultural and linguistic potentials to the different parts of Cameroon under their rule. This formed the foundation of the English and French languages in the territory. Since then, English has served as a vector of cultural identity in Cameroon. It has also been an obstacle to the consolidation of the nation’s national unity and integration given that the stigmatisation, discrimination and injustice meted on those who practice the language do not speak well of the nation. These vices have not helped to consolidate nation building nor enhance its socio-cultural and political development. Local governance is impeded on the grounds that understanding the functionality of such structures is based on the cultural traits of communication that permits the people to understand the political system put in place. Through books, memoirs, thesis and interviews, we concluded that the English language and culture is a useful and inevitable bazooka for the socio-cultural, political and economic development of Cameroon. It is a symbol and source of strength for national unity and integration. It incarnates a people and a culture in Cameroon. It is also the first amongst a multilingual and cultural polity expected to harness its diversities and ethnic endowments to construct and enhance development in the nation. English is a potential cord capable of pulling other ethnic identities and affiliations into a single political think tank for a better Cameroon.