By: Dr. Salihu Lukman
The ability to communicate effectively in one’s native language is often seen as a measure of intelligence, particularly in societies where that language is the primary medium of education and discourse. In English-speaking countries where individuals receive their education solely in English, mastery of the language—both in written and spoken forms—can be an indicator of intelligence. While intelligence is multifaceted and cannot be solely determined by linguistic proficiency, the ability to articulate thoughts with precision, use rich vocabulary, and convey complex ideas effectively in English can reflect cognitive ability, critical thinking, and intellectual depth.
Mastery of English as a Reflection of Intelligence
English proficiency is crucial in academic and professional settings, where clear communication could determine success. A person who articulates ideas succinctly – especially in the social sciences, arts, and law - understands nuances in language, and conveys meaning with depth demonstrates strong cognitive ability. This does not mean that articulation of ideas is not needed in the science and applied science disciplines like engineering and medical sciences.
Similarly, in the professional world, a person who speaks and writes well often commands respect and exudes confidence. A lawyer who presents compelling arguments in court, a scientist who explains complex theories in a simple manner, and a business executive who writes persuasive proposals all demonstrate intelligence through their command of the English language.
Shall we look down upon or destructively criticize someone with poor English grammar?
In my humble opinion – no - not because I belong to that group. We should not look down upon someone with poor English grammar. Language proficiency depends on various factors, including education, exposure, and native linguistic background. Some people may excel in other fields—such as science, mathematics, or engineering—but struggle with grammar. Instead of judgment, offering guidance and encouragement fosters growth.
What truly matters is a person’s ability to communicate their ideas effectively. If grammar errors hinder clarity, constructive feedback can help. Intelligence is multifaceted, and no single skill—be it language, math, or science—defines a person’s worth or capability.
Do women learn a new language more easily than men?
Yes, research suggests that women tend to learn new languages more easily than men, and neuroscience provides several explanations for this difference. Hence, it is not surprising to see women mastering the English language better than men. While men can certainly excel in language learning, neuroscience suggests that women have biological and cognitive advantages that may make language acquisition easier and faster for them. However, motivation, exposure, and learning strategies remain critical factors for both genders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, I still doff my hat to those who speak or write proficiently in the English language. Some notable mentions are:
1. Prof. Farooq Kperogi: To read his articles comprehensively, your dictionary must be by your side because you will come across several words that you have never seen before. Not even a native English writer can come close to his mastery of the English language. He memorized a complete dictionary during his secondary school days to enable him to write a letter or speak in impeccable English to impress girls, and now, he is impressing the whole world with his language skills.
2. Dr. Salisu Lawal Usman: The barrister, as I fondly call him. Every post or comment of his sends me to look for my dictionary and start looking up those new entries that I have never seen before. He also memorized a dictionary like Kperogi.
These two guys are all first-class brains, even though they might not have earned a first-class degree during their undergraduate days, but trust me when I tell you that they are first-class in whatever they do. I did not include Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, a former parliamentarian because I think he hardly communicates in his speech. While I can fetch the words written by the above 2 persons, many of Obahiagbon’s words sound completely Greek to me. I don’t know if he has a separate dictionary that is different from ours. I listen to him whenever I want to laugh.
Other notable mentions whose command of the English language fascinates me include orators, public speakers, etc.: Vice President Kashim Shettima, H.E. Muhammadu Sanusi II (SLS), former NSA to former President Buhari – General Babagana Monguno (rtd.), late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1st Nigerian Prime Minister), late Maitama Sule Danmasanin Kano, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (former Vice President), Alhanislam's poetry, Prof. Yusuf Usman (former NHIS boss), and Dr. Fatima Mahmud (my beloved wife).
The Importance of Mastering English Idioms
Idioms are an integral part of any language, adding depth and vividness to speech and writing. Mastering English idioms allows individuals to express themselves creatively and engage listeners more effectively. For instance, instead of saying, "He works very hard," one could say, "He burns the midnight oil," making the statement more expressive.
Other examples include:
• "Bite the bullet" – To endure something difficult without complaint.
• "The ball is in your court" – It’s your turn to take action.
• "A blessing in disguise" – Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be beneficial.
A person who skillfully incorporates idioms into conversations or writing demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the language, which is often associated with intelligence and cultural awareness. Native English speakers use different idioms every day. You will agree with me if you watch American movies. There are various channels on TikTok and Instagram teaching the meanings of various idioms especially those frequently used by the natives in everyday conversation.
The Importance of Correct Pronunciation and Syllable Stress
Pronunciation plays a critical role in effective communication. Mispronouncing words can lead to misunderstandings and, in professional settings, can undermine credibility. Thankfully, online pronunciation dictionaries like Cambridge Dictionary provide audio pronunciations in both UK and US formats that can help learners perfect their speech.
Understanding syllable stress is also vital, as incorrect stress can alter the meaning of words. For example:
• "Record" (noun) vs. "record" (verb) – She broke the world record vs. He will record the meeting.
• "Present" (noun) vs. "present" (verb) – She received a present vs. He will present his findings.
Even native English speakers benefit from refining their pronunciation to ensure clarity and professionalism in communication.
Because our language of instruction is English from nursery to the university levels, people usually don’t feel the need to refine and correct their pronunciation. They assume that whatever their teachers spoke, was correctly pronounced and may not double-check any word for its correct pronunciation. Unfortunately, this is not true! Our pronunciation leaves a lot to be desired. Yet, when anyone tries to pronounce words as correctly as he can, he becomes a subject of ridicule. Bature, wai shi zai nuna mana ya iya turanci! Munga Mungo Park a wajen turanci.
I had a conversation with my son Muhammad one day when I corrected his pronunciation of the word SACHET. He responded with a logical question, if everyone around him mispronounces it, what benefit will his correct pronunciation amount to? I responded thus, do you want to study in Saudi Arabia after finishing secondary school? He replied, yes. Then I told him that he needed to take an international English language proficiency exam called TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) before he could apply to study in Saudi Arabia. I informed him that I took the exam before I won a scholarship to study for my PhD in Saudi Arabia and the exam had an oral section in which you will be given a topic to talk about. I warned him that if he spoke carelessly, pronouncing English words incorrectly, the native English speaker who was going to mark him might find it difficult to understand his speech and could mark him down as a result of not comprehending his points. I did not know if he was convinced by my argument.
Some notable mentions of persons whose English pronunciations and intonations fascinate me include: the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (also called the golden voice of Africa), the late Maitama Sule Danmasanin Kano, and Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman (English, Arabic & Hausa), Prof. G.Y. Sadiq (English Department, ABU Zaria), late Ciroman Zazzau - Engr. Abdullahi Nuhu (Baban Ingila), Prof. Yusuf Usman (former NHIS boss), and Alhanislam's poetry.
A popular Hausa TikToker, Babban Kai, is seriously trying to educate on the correct pronunciation of English words by quoting other celebrities and renowned personalities who might have pronounced some words incorrectly as per his judgment. Even though he receives a lot of backlash from other TikTokers due to his approach and the correctness of some pronunciations, I still gain a lot from his clips, especially useful English equivalents of some peculiar Hausa adages. Many Hausa adages have English equivalents, demonstrating the universal nature of wisdom and expression across cultures. Understanding these idiomatic parallels enriches cross-cultural communication. By mastering both English idioms and their equivalents in other languages, individuals can communicate with greater cultural depth and intellectual richness. I also find Collinspiration’s page on Instagram and YouTube very educating in this regard.
Conclusion
While intelligence is not solely defined by language proficiency, a person’s ability to master the English language—through vocabulary, idioms, pronunciation, and cultural expressions—often reflects their cognitive abilities and intellectual capacity. In a world where communication is key, excelling in language skills could provide individuals with an edge in education, career advancement, and interpersonal interactions, especially in Nigeria where the official language is English. Regardless of one’s natural talents in other fields, continuous learning, and refinement of language skills remain an essential aspect of personal and professional development.
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