What is Language?
Language is a critical component of culture and life itself. This explains why there are so many and is a reflection of just how different we are. While there are about 7,151 languages in the world, 500 of these are used in Nigeria. At this point, it is important to first understand what Language is.
Language is the collection of symbols, letters, or words with arbitrary meanings that are governed by rules and used to communicate (Pearson et al., 2013, p. 49). Language represents things without being those things. For instance, an automobile is a symbol of a vehicle, but the symbol “automobile” is not the vehicle itself. Language can also be defined as a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar, or the system of communication used by people in a particular country or type of work – Cambridge Dictionary. The Oxford dictionary says language is the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way – Oxford Dictionary.
Why is language important?
- Being Human – It is a core part of what makes us human. It is how we communicate. Learning a language means understanding a complex system of sounds, words, signs, structure, and grammar. It is a sign of human development.
- Culture and society – Language helps preserve culture. Culture may be defined as all of the socially transmitted behavior patterns, beliefs, attitudes, and values of a particular period, class, community, or population. Culture and language are thus related as the transmission of culture occurs, in part, through language. A critical part of the role of language in culture and society is evidenced in the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (Whorfianism. This theory suggests that our perception of reality is determined by our thought processes, our thought processes are limited by our language, and therefore language shapes our reality and our behaviours. Language is the principal way that we learn about ourselves, others, and our culture
- Business – Language helps build trust and relationships between partners. It also helps in the spread and growth of various business endeavours locally and internationally.
- Personal communication – Language as earlier explained is our vehicle for communicating with one another.
Functions of language
- Informative – to inform by stating facts clearly
- Expressive – to express ourselves by offering us how to convey our emotions and attitudes
- Directive – to issue instructions and actions
How to Use Language Effectively
- Use appropriate language
- Use vivid language
- Use inclusive language (avoiding language that is racist, sexist, misogynist, hateful, presumptuous, and/or prejudiced).
The words we use in our daily conversations change over time. This thought can be quite puzzling until we understand what makes a word real. Watch this viral video where Anne Curzan deep dives into the evolution of words.
Journalism and Media studies.
DANIEL MBOUTIDEM UDOH
(1)
Between vs among
The ball rolled ” between”the dest and the wall.
She is nervous being “among ” famous people.
(2)
I.E VS E.G
Mrs Mary sells provisions, bread , tea.
(3)
Effect vs affect
The drugs has some effect on me.
The sound did not affect her anyway.
(4)
Your and you’re
Can you post the parcel when you’re in London.
I like your tea better than mine.
(5)
To vs too
The rice is too hot.
The young lady was kind to the old man.
(6)
Who and that
That the dog that ran away was found.
Who knew she could dance so well.
(7)
Lose and loose.
Hold my hand I don’t want to lose you.
She gathered loose soil and lat it filter slowly through her fingers.
(8)
Ensure and assure
We working to ensure the safety of the society.
I can assure that you will love it.
(9)
What and your
What your name?
Your phone is ringing.
(10)
Alot vs A lot vs allot.
Saying ” Daniel has a lot of money Rather than Williams has a lot of money.
Saying” doing the pastor speech at the conference he said alot about the church empowerments rather than ” during the pastor speech at the conference he said a lot about the church empowerments
Name:Sagbe Biobelemaye Martyns
Department: Journalism And Media Studies
1.They’re Vs their Vs there
a. They’re planning to host a Christmas cantata in December.
b. Their parents went on a vacation.
2.Its Vs it’s
a.The dog is in its cage.
b. It’s a sunny day in Port Harcourt.
3.Effect Vs Affect
a.The sermon had great effect on the congregation that they went on their knees in tears.
b. Smoking of hard drugs can affect the lungs and blood flow.
4.To Vs too
a.It is advisable to obey the laws of the society.
b.Too much intake of carbon dioxide can cause inflammation of the lungs.
5.Who Vs that
a.who was involved in money laundering?
b. What happened to the truck?
6 Into Vs in to
a.Jade went in to see the doctor for an appointment.
b. The rat jumped into the soup to eat fish.
7.Then Vs Than
a.Last night,I saw Mr.Nkem who was walking home drunk,he then fell into the drainage.
b.There are more than 20 cars in the Governor’s garage.
8.use of comma
a Neither James, Jane,Victor and queen won the race.
b.My mother bought a bunch of banana,apples,garden eggs and groundnut from the market.
9.Between Vs Among
a.There was an argument between Daniel and Fidelia which led to a fight.
b.Emmanuel is the eldest among his siblings.
10.They
a.The judge was partial during the case because they bribed him behind the scene.
b.The men lied because they are guilty of the charges.
Name: Agborum Elizabeth Aushioluka
Department: Journalism and Media Studies
1) Their vs There Vs They’re
Their: Going to the store was their idea.
There: You can place the plate over there.
They’re: They’re going on vacation next month.
2) Then vs Than
Then: We’ll have to wait until then.
Than: I am taller than Joseph.
3) Your vs You’re
Your: I love your new shirt.
You’re: Make sure you’re going to be on time.
4) Affect vs Effect
Affect: The weather affected his mood.
Effect: The special effects in movies today are aided by computer.
5) To vs Too
To: I am going to the market.
Too: the water was too cold to swim in.
6) Who vs That
Who: Who was the first president of Nigeria?
That: That house belongs to the phoenix family.
7) Lose vs Loose
Lose: You lose weight.
Loose: The rope was tied in a loose knot.
8) Less vs Fewer
Less: I missed less game this year.
Fewer: she gets in fewer workout than he does.
9) Between vs Among
Between: The treasure is between the palm tree and the hut.
Among: Share these sweets among yourselves.
10) It’s vs Its
It’s: it’s a nice car.
Its: The plant is in its pot.
Department: development communication
1. Lose: I dont want lose u baby
B. Loose: she wore a loose red gown to the party
2. Assure: I assure you there will be no complications
B. Ensure: ensure you look carefully before crossing the road
3. Who : who is taller between Mary and Juliet?
B. That : that mango tree belongs to my father.
4. To: the truck has to pass the main road before going to the town
B. Too: I love mangoes, I love it too ! Said Tina.
5. Into: the dog went into the Bush
B. In to : Go in to the house now!
6. Its: its my bag.
B. It is a sunny day today
7. Your: your car is very beautiful
B. You are: you are a very nice person
8. There: there is no food at home
B. There are: there are many buses at the park today.
9. Affect: the rain affected the crops immensely
B. Effect: the effect of smoking is very severe to the body.
10. Less: there is less oil left in the house
B. Fewer: every year fewer students are admitted in the college
Name: Granville Violet Tamunosaki Dan
Department: Journalism and Media Studies
1) Their – There- They’re
Their: The Johnson’s family invited me to their party.
There: My dad is always there for me.
They’re: They’re camping here for two nights.
2) Then – Than
Then: The then-president was my classmate.
Than: Simi is younger than I am.
3) Your – You’re
Your: Your cake taste delicious.
You’re: You’re such a good friend.
4) Affect – Effect
Affect: The woman took the news of her husband’s death with little affect.
Effect: I have no idea what effect this new diet will have.
5) To – Too
To: You do not have to correct it as it is perfectly grammatical.
Too: The soup is too hot
6) Who – That
Who: Riya is the one who rescued the dog.
That: That house belong to the phoenix family.
7) Lose – Loose
Lose: I don’t want to lose myself.
Loose: The hounds have been loosed.
8) Less – Fewer
Less: AJ drinks less wine than she use to.
Fewer: John has fewer fishing lures than Jack does.
9) Between – Among
Between: What is the difference between love and hate?
Among: I want to live among like-minded people.
10) It’s – Its
It’s: It’s fun to go to the fair.
Its: Its greatest attribute is its flexibility.
NAME:NWONUALA CLINTON.C.
DEPARTMENT: DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES.
1. Those vs Does
I cannot associate with those hooligans.
She does not like to discuss private matters.
2. I’m vs Am
I’m a proud student of RSU.
I am not happy with your arrogant behavior.
3. Involve vs Evolve
I don’t want to involve myself in this situation.
I see myself evolving day by day.
4.Achieve vs Archive
Did you achieve anything from abusing that poor girl?
I stored all my useful resources in the archive.
5.where vs were
Where did you go last night?
If I were you I won’t be depending on my fathers achievements.
6. Pray vs prey
We went to pray at the altar.
The lion wants to hunt it’s prey.
7. Exercise vs exorcise
We went to the gym early this morning to exercise.
I saw the pastor trying to exorcise the demonic spirit from the girl.
8. You vs yours
Are you going to bed?
I think these clothes are yours.
9. Too vs two
You’re too intelligent to back down.
Those two girls are gorgeous.
10. Little vs small
There’s a little amount of fuel left in the Gen
There’s a small girl at our backyard.
Onyechefu Amuche Goodness
Dept:Cinematography and broadcasting
Matric number :DE.2021/6746
1.Your/you’re
This is not your pen
You’re an amazing person
2.Its/it’s
The hotel raised its rates
It’s so nice meeting you
3.Affect/effect
The experience has had a bad bad effect on him
Bola’s injury will affect the outcome of the game
4.To/too
He saw something and she saw it too
I am about to leave the house
5.Who/that
Who is on duty today?
You shouldn’t have said that
6.Into vs in to
She brought me in to train for the job
Ella walked into the class slowly
7.Lose vs loose
She has lose her money again
She will loose her hair today
8.Then vs than
We will arrive before then
He is more brilliant than his twin sister
9.Less/fewer
They are less concerned about it
The birds are fewer this year
10.Between/among
I can’t differentiate between he and his twin brother
She was among the people that were chosen
Name:Onyechefu Amuche Goodness
Dept:Cinematography and broadcasting
Matric number:DE.2021/6746
1.Your/you’re
This is not your pen
You’re an amazing person
2.Its/it’s
The hotel raised its rates
It’s so nice meeting you
3.Affect/effect
The experience has had a bad effect on him
Bola’s injury will affect the outcome of the game
4.To/too
He saw something and she saw it too
I am about to leave the house
5.Who vs that
Who is on duty today?
You shouldn’t have said that
6.Into vs in to
She brought me in to train for the job
Ella walked into the class slowly
7.Lose/loose
She has lose her money again
She will loose her hair today
8.Then/than
We will arrive before then
He is more brilliant than his twin sister
9.Less/fewer
They are less concerned about it
The birds are fewer this year
10.Between/among
I can’t differentiate between he who’s twin brother
She was among the people that were chosen
Name: Lebaraol Elizabeth Bayor
Department: Public Relation and Advertising
1) Their: The twins spend all their time together.
There: There must be easier ways if doing this.
They’re: They’re going to Spain next week.
2) Then vs Than
Then:it was then that I realised she’d tricked me.
Than: you need that money more than I do.
3)Your vs You’re
You’re: you’re late.
Your: Could you move your car?
4) Affect vs Effect
Affect: the weather can affect your mood.
Effect: Computers have had a huge effect on our lives.
5)To vs Too
To: she stood up and walked to the window.
Too: you’ve put too much salt in the soup.
6) Who vs That
Who: Anya is the one who rescued the bird.
That: Jennifer hinted that she could be late for class.
7) lose vs Loose
Lose: Try not to lose heart.
Loose: The screw has come loose.
8)Less vs Fewer
Less: Maybe he would worry less if he understood the situation.
Fewer: John has fewer fishing lures than jack does.
9) Between vs Among
Between: The ball rolled between the desk and the wall.
Among: The disease spread quickly among The members of the community.
10) it’s vs it’s
It’s: it’s going to be a fabulous night.
It’s: A computer can update its drive.
NAME: NWEKE DANIEL SUNDAY
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING
MAT no: DE 2021/9464
1) It’s vs its
It’s an open book test.
Emmanuella told me not to take the money because its hers.
2) To vs Too
I’m going to the market.
The protocols are too much.
3) Who vs That
Who took my eraser?
Is that not Mr Okon?
4) Between vs Among
I sat in between my parents during church service.
He’s among the culprits.
5) Then vs Than
Back then in my secondary school days I was the disciplinary prefect.
Miracle is better than Joshua in Fifa.
6)whose vs who’s
Whose book is this?
Who’s Peter obi’s vice?
7) Affect vs Effect
Too much intake of alcohol will affect your health.
The drugs will have an effect on him after 2 days.
8) who vs whom
Who is the owner of covenant university?.
To whom do we belong?.
9) your vs you’re
That’s your book.
You’re among the most wonderful lectures I’ve come across.
10) They’re vs Their
They’re on their way to kaduna.
That’s their food.
NAME:IWO .S. ROSE
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING.
MATRIC NUMBER: DE 2021/9474.
1. Who vs That
Victoria was the one who rescued the cat.
She picked up my pen that I had left on the table.
2. Into vs in to
He jumped into the pool.
I stopped in to pick up my lunch.
3.Its vs it’s
The milk is in its container.
It’s a nice car.
4.less vs fewer
I drink less water than I used to.
Women commits fewer crimes than men.
5. Between vs Among
Share the pencils between precious, Adeline and grace.
We find comfort around those that agree with us.
6. Affect vs Effect
She must have affected them to get that kind of emotional response.
Cold weather can have an extreme effect on children.
7.To vs Too
Are we going to church today.
I am too busy for a relationship.
8. Who vs Whom
That’s the boy who lost my text book.
Whom do you like best.
9. They’re vs Their vs There
Go over that way, they’re waiting for you.
That girl over there is my neighbour.
10. Your vs You’re
Your dress is beautiful.
You’re my best friend.
Nnanna Jane Chinyere
Journalism and media studies
DE 2021/6834
1)YOUR vs. YOU’RE
a)Your lecturer is so pretty.
b) You’re very intelligent.
2) AFFECT vs. EFFECT
a)Hugs can affect a person’s immune system I’m a positive way.
b)The new law prohibiting smoking while driving will go into effect tommorow.
3)I.e vs. E.g
a) Blessing was delighted to receive a special gift from her secret admirer i.e her husband.
b) Healthy exercise e.g riding a bike, jogging will help you stay fit.
4)WHO vs. THAT
a)I know quite a few people who don’t joke with their studies.
b)That book is interesting.
5)TO vs. TOO
a)Jane likes to sing.
b)The rice is too hot
6)ITS vs IT’S
a)The bird flew into its cage.
b) It’s always raining.
7)THEN vs. THAN
a)First I went to the book shop and then I got books.
b)Dr Sarah earns a lot more than I do.
8)USE OF COMMA’S
a)I love reading, singing and sleeping.
b)I didn’t visit the zoo, because they had lions.
9) ASSURE vs. INSURE vs. ENSURE
a)I can assure you that you will come out in flying colors.
b) Think carefully before you insure against accident.
c)Wash your clothes regularly to ensure personal hygiene.
10) THEY’RE vs. THEIR vs. THERE
a) They’re getting married.
b)The trees are loosing their leaves.
c) I’m going there because I want to.
Name: Horace Utono Eneisoto
Dept: Development communication studies
Matric no: De.2021/6695
_They’re vs Their vs There
They’r
They’re not my priority right now.
Their
Their business is based in town, but they have a cottage on the coast.
There
There should be equal rights everybody.
_Your vs you’re
Your
Your dog is lovely.
You’re
You’re one step ahead of me.
_Its vs It’s
Its
The article contradicted its own argument.
It’s
It’s been an unforgettable day
_ Affect vs Effect
Affect
The result of the exam will affect your overall grade
Effect
Tourism has had a positive effect on the economy
_To vs Too
To
I want to leave
Too
She doesn’t talk too much.
_Who vs That
Who
It was a nice man who helped us
That
She picked up the hairbrush that she had left on the bed
_less vs fewer
Less
Cherie drinks less wine than she used to
Fewer
Fewer women wear hats these days
_Between vs Among
Between
Some colour-blind people can’t distinguish between red and green
Among
Lactose intolerance is common among people of Asian heritage.
_Assure vs Insure vs Ensure
Assure
He assured of his commitment to her happiness
Insure
I’m not Insured against burglary
Ensure
I use an alarm clock to ensure that I get up on time
_Then vs Than
Then
He fixed it, then left.
Than
She is taller than I am.
1. Its: its my bag, give it to me
B. It is: it is a sunny day today
2. Your: your car is very beautiful
B. You are : you are a very nice person
3. Affect: the rain affected the crops immensely
4. Less: there is less oil left in the house
B. Fewer: every year fewer students are admitted in the college
5. Lose: I lost my bag yesterday
B. Loose: she wore a loose red gown to the party
6. Assure: I assure there will be no complications
B. Ensure you tidy your room.
7. Who: who is taller between Mary and Sarah
B. That: that boy on blue is my brother
8. To: the truck has to pass the main road
B. Too: I love mangoes, I love it too! Said Tina.
9. Into: the dog went into the Bush
B. In to : go in to the house now!
10. There: there is no food at home
B. There are: there are many buses at the park today.