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Education

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND THE JARGON OF TRANSPORTATION

Published

9 years ago

February 25, 2015

Sahara Weekly

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One of the uses of the English Language as stated by David Crystal (a linguist) in 2010 is English for special purpose. Apart from the use of English for general purposes, every profession is characterized by its technical term as well as some styles of writing that are peculiar to them alone. These terms are known as JARGON and not what people interpret as RUBBISH.

The first expression to be considered here is BOARD. I have read many descriptions of places indicating this:

“Board a bus from Surulere to Oshodi.” “Surulere and “Oshodi” are names of places in Lagos. The important question to ask here is, “Is the use of board inappropriate?” our findings reveal this as the meaning of board.

Board means to get on a bus, plane, train etc in order to travel somewhere.

The definition shows that board is only concerned with travelling.

I board a bus from Lagos to Abuja every Saturday.
Some users suggested the use of the word ENTER. They say, “Enter a bus to Abuja. “The definition of enter reveals. Enter means to go or come into a place. He entered the room suddenly.

word ENTER is not jargon peculiar to transportation unlike board that is wrongly used. In talking about a short distance, especially within the same state, use the word “GET ON’’. You can say,

Get on a bus from Surulere to Oshodi.

If one gets on a bus, don’t you often hear the expression get down? I noticed another expression emanating from get down. The expression is come down. Somebody must have asked you this once;

“Are you coming down here?”

Let us examine the two expressions.

Get down means to write something especially something that someone is saying.

He was followed by a group of reporters trying to get down every word he said.

It will be ridiculous if a policeman tells an educated driver to get down, and he picks his pen and paper saying,

“I am listening.

That is the accurate interpretation of the statement and he acted appropriately in that situation.

What about the phrasal verb “Come down”. The closest meanings to the situation of a bus are:

For someone to travel to the place where one is.

Are you coming down for the holiday?

to fall to the ground.

We were still out in the fields when the rain started coming down.

The word people use to replace “get down” and “come down” is alight.

How accurate is the use of the expression? Alight, as a verb is Intransitive; meaning that it does not need an object to make a sentence. If there must be an object after it, the preposition “from” must follow it. She alighted from the bus at Ikeja.

Not, She alighted at Ikeja. What is the meaning of the word alight? Our findings reveal that the word alight means to step out of a vehicle after a journey. Most users insist the use of the preposition “from” as a collocation for the word “alight”

Examine this expression:

“Do not alight from a moving bus”

Instead of bothering yourselves with the usage of get down, come down and even alight; try to use the word ‘GET OFF’’

Say,

Driver! I want to get off here.

Drivers often use the expression “Trafficate” Don’t you say that too? You must have accused somebody that he/she did not trafficate for you.

Let’s examine this conversation:

A: Did you trafficate?

B: I thought you saw my trafficator.

Sincerely, there was a blend of the two words Traffic and indicator.

The blending took place in Mid 20^th Century. This suggests that the word “trafficator” existed for some time before going into extinction. There was never, such word as “trafficate” in English it must have emanated from back formation as a result of over generalisation.

Just like,

Generater – Generate

Instructor – Instruct

Drivers!Please read this

We discovered these words as the appropriate expressions, indicate and indicator . Let us examine their meanings.

Indicate means to show the direction in which you intend to turn in a vehicle using lights or your hands.

Don’t forget to indicate before you pull out.

Indicator is one of the lights in a car that flash to show which way the car is turning.

Let’s revisit the conversation:

A: Did you indicate?

B: I thought you saw my indicator

Again, as it was established, though still used by some people, that the word “Go slow” has nothing to do with traffic; go slow is a protest against an employer in which the workers work as slowly as possible. Nigerian users tend to use the words “hold up” and ‘’traffic jam” interchangeably.

Is traffic jam the same as hold up?

Traffic jam is long line of vehicles on a road that cannot move or can only move very slowly.

We were stuck in a traffic jam for two hours.

Hold-up, however, is a situation that stops something from happening or making progress. It means a delay.

Traffic hold-up implies traffic delay. The delay can come in any form and not necessarily a long line of vehicles on a road. Traffic hold-up goes beyond that. In comparison, both the traffic jam and the traffic hold-up lead to delay as that is the effect of the two situations except that the description of the two situations are not the same.

The first day that I posted this expression as inappropriate, I received a lot of criticism as feedback. I am also expecting the same in this publication. English is a language, just like other languages, that is governed by rules and certain styles. I have read this expression in different materials like posters, billboard and even certain newspapers. It is often used by the government agencies to instruct and to discourage people about crossing the highway. Can you guess what the expression is? It is PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE.

Our concept of a pedestrian bridge is a bridge that is used by people walking and not by vehicles there any type of bridge that is named pedestrian Bridge? Who is a pedestrian? Pedestrian is someone who is walking, especially along a street or other places used by cars.

From the definition if there is anything like a pedestrian bridge, it should be a bridge that is used both by the motorists and the people walking and not by the people walking alone. We investigated further about different types of bridge that exists.

We discovered the following types: Flyover Viaduct Suspension bridge Hump-backed bridge Foot bridge.

Flyover is a bridge that takes one road over another road.

Viaduct is a long high bridge, especially one with ARCHES that crosses a valley and has a road or railway on it.

Suspension bridge is a bridge that has no support under it, but is hung from strong steel ropes fixed to towers.

Hump-backed bridge is a short bridge with a steep slope on each side.

Foot bridge is a narrow bridge used by people who are walking.

Cantilever bridge is a bridge made from a long piece of metal or wood that sticks out from an upright post or wall and supports a shell.

Truss bridge is a bridge that is supported by a frame.

From all the types of bridge discovered, flyover and Foot Bridge are common to us. What then is the likely source of the expression Pedestrian Bridge? There are some bridges in Nigeria that are used both by the people walking as well as the motorists. Unlike the definition of pedestrian, there are separate roads for the motorists and the people walking. It is safe to use the expression FLYOVER for such.

For the bridges that are constructed for the people walking alone and not together with the motorists.

The appropriate word for the bridge used by the people walking alone is known as FOOT BRIDGE.

Instead of the notice

“Use the Pedestrian Bridge’’

It is better to write

Use the Foot Bridge

You must have observed this the expression even along our roads. The expression is used to indicate the name of the police officer that controls traffic.

I was surprised to read in one of the questions of the Accounting Technical Scheme, Communication Skills

The signs used by the Traffic Warden in controlling traffic is known as …………………………

You must have seen the expression ‘Traffic Warden” to imply the police officer that direct the movement of the vehicles on the road .

Is this name appropriate?

Who is a Traffic warden?

Traffic warden is a person whose job is to check that people do not park their cars in the wrong place or for longer than as allowed and to report on those who do or tell them that they have to pay a FINE

We discovered another definition close to the Nigerian usage from World English Dictionary .

Traffic warden is an un uniformed public official; who enforces parking restriction on the highway and may also direct traffic

That definition does not interpret our use for some reason.

Our conception of a traffic warden is a uniformed public official.
Traffic warden, in our definition, majorly controls the traffic .

Do you observe something in the definitions of the word traffic warden? No single definition indicate that a traffic warden is a police officer.

What do we say then?

The police officer that directs traffic is unofficially known as TRAFFIC COP. In a formal writing or speech, the police officer is known as a TRAFFIC OFFICER.

The Essence of this column is not to criticise any organisation or body. We intend to expose us to the fact that our use of English is still very low in Nigeria. Our students in secondary schools do not usually pass the English language as expected.

Most of our graduates are afraid of speaking the English language confidently because they are not sure of the appropriate usage of the lexical items.

We have been able to examine the following words in this edition, board , get down , trafficate, hold up, traffic jam, pedestrian bridge and traffic warden.

The discussion continues in the next edition

Don’t forget this, a good Communication Skill can make you greater than you can ever imagine. It is relevant to every profession.

Take a good decision today. Acquire this skill and become better. The Gospel of good English is what we preach at the Stylisticians English Language School.

The Stylisticians

Moshood Abimbola Alabi

Stylisticians English Language School.

www.stylisticians.com

14, Iwaya Road, Yaba, Lagos

PIN:7F26FB7A

TEL:08033336265

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society

NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Why the merger of NAUB with NDA cannot work, the hard facts to consider'

NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

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Sahara Weekly Reveals That Higher education in Nigeria, quite frankly, is facing immense challenges including but not limited to poor infrastructure, unrealistic academic calendars resulting in extra years against stipulated durations, lack of teaching equipment, social menace, poor funding, amongst others.

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NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

Interestingly, Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB) is quite unique from other federal universities in the sense that since inception, there has not been any issue of strike, cultism, protest, or anti-social conduct.

Rather, the university is reputed for its excellent condition of learning environment.

This was aptly covered by the Governor of Borno State, H.E Professor Babagana Umara Zulum through his deputy during the maiden edition of the convocation ceremony of NAUB on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at the University’s main campus ( note not temporary campus within five years of existence) in Biu, Borno State.

The Borno State governor said he was physically present at the groundbreaking ceremony of the foundation laying stone of NAUB five years ago, and he is impressed by what he has seen adding that it must take military precision and focus to put in a full-fledged and functional university on a barren land in such a short period.

The Governor further thanked the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, the traditional rulers, scholars and academics philanthropist, industrialists, associates and men and women of goodwill from within and outside Borno State for the selfless service of gradually re-modelling the future of Borno State in particular and Nigeria in general and for putting Borno State on the path of further greatness through the Nigerian Army university, Biu.

Why then do we plan to abort such a great independent institution of learning known as a barrier breaker and line crosser by merging it with NDA whose missions and visions are not in tandem with each other .

Why cut short the dreams of such noble ideas via politics?

Are there those who do not want a stable educational system in Nigeria?

Are there external forces or their agents at home trying to destroy a good foundation for a stable educational system in Nigeria?

Is NAUB in competition with the private universities?

Are there big shots who benefit from a chaotic educational system in Nigeria?

Are there some subterranean forces working within the system to achieve the Boko Haram objective that “education is sin”?

The words of Governor Zulum rings a wise bell when he said that Boko Haram insurgents have achieved their objectives if the university is scrapped.

“Therefore, we appeal to Mr. President to look into this issue so that the Army University Biu would remain a university… because of the importance of education in this part of the country, where Boko Haram is saying that education is forbidden. And I think that by allowing this Army university to be scrapped, they might have achieved one or two of their objectives,” he said.

The governor noted that, for over a decade, Borno State has been facing a serious crisis that has denied many children access to education.

“Therefore, this university is very important to not only the people of Borno State but our neighbouring states,” he said.

Look at the Western countries that started with military polytechnics that propelled revolution in military equipment development.

Many of these developed countries collaborated jointly through civil-military research.

The Swedish Defence University established like NAUB is Sweden’s leading resource in, and first choice for, education, training and research in the management of crisis, war and periods of tension in the leadership of both civil and military agencies. The Swedish Defence University is an accredited institution for academic education for military and civilian students and researchers where different experiences, approaches, and traditions come together. It has become a hub for both national and international students.

It might shock you to know that American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). APUS is wholly owned by American Public Education, Inc., a publicly traded private-sector corporation that offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, in addition to dual degrees, certificate programs and learning tracks.

During my NYSC, I served in the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Ilorin, which is a renowned military institution focused on providing high-quality education and training for Nigerian Army personnel and civilians. So why the proposed merger of NAUB?

Interestingly, the Nigerian Army University Biu provides such a platform for the Nigerian military towards technological innovation, research, and development in varied fields for national defence and security breakthroughs like many modern nations. In fact, instead of downgrading the Nigerian Army University, many more Army universities should be established in Nigeria. That is the way out for a caricature type of educational system that has failed to have stability over the years.

Who is not interested in seeing that a federal university graduates its students within the regular course time frame?

Must programmes of all federal universities be easily disrupted. A course of 4 or 5 years ends up taking over 6 to 7 years to complete. The worst part is that many universities end up in a crash programme to be able to cover up for the lost times. The terrible damage to these universities’ products is the very low standard of graduates.

Who wants the Nigerian educational system to collapse completely? These are rhetorical questions the amiable president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all stakeholders should ask those proposing the merger to answer us publicly, else should let the matter die forever in the abyss of hasty decision.

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Education

Edo State University Uzairue Matriculates 1,245 Students By Elvis Omoregie

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Edo State University Uzairue Matriculates 1,245 Students

By Elvis Omoregie

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The Edo State University, Uzairue have matriculated 1,245 students who met the condition for admission criteria for the 2023/2024 academic session.

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Speaking during the 9th matriculation ceremony of the institution at Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government of Edo state, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, charged the newly admitted students to adhere to the university’s regulations and contribute responsibly to the institution.

“Dear Matriculants, approach your studies with dedication and make full use of the state-of-the-art technological equipment and ICT facilities available for your academic advancement. Embark on a studious academic journey, making the serene environment of Edo State University Uzairue your conducive home for success.’

He said the University, in partnership with the Edo State Government, is devoted to consistently providing world class teaching and research facilities.

sharing the remarkable progress the institution has achieved over the past eight years, said its humble beginnings with three Faculties and Eight programs, Edo State University Uzairue has grown to encompass nine faculties with over 30 undergraduate programmes”.

He added that all the programmes offered at the institution have been accredited and approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other the relevant professional bodies.

Aluyor said the College of Post Graduate Studies of the institution stands out for its successful programs, encompassing PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, Mphil, and Ph.D. across different Faculties.

“Having graduated five sets of students, our accreditation processes have consistently yielded impressive grades, With the lowest recorded score being 78.5 per cent’

He explained that through collaborative partnerships with international Universities such as Worcester State University (USA) and the University of Sunderland (UK), students benefit from valuable opportunities to engage in exchange programs.

“The establishment of the institution Teaching Hospital with the support of the State Government, marks a significant stride, enhancing our facilities for medical students’ training.

Aluyor noted that the institution runs an uninterrupted academic calendar leading to its recognition as the best University in the South-South geo-political zone, 2nd Best State University in the country and 10th Best University in Nigeria by the National University Commission (NUC) System Ranking 2022.

“Edo State University is the 1st in West Africa to adopt the CANVAS Learning Management System, used by over 70 percent of ivy League Universities globally”.

He added ” it is the first to acquire the Anatomy table and low and high fidelity Manikins (Simman 3g), which enables the simulation of different scenarios for the training of Medical and Nursing Students”.

He said the institution placed on discipline and adherence to the approved academic calendar, with a commitment to addressing any instances of errant behavior.

Prof Aluyor however called on well meaning individuals and corporate organisations to generously contribute prizes for students of the institution who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.

In his goodwill message, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly Hon. Inegbebor O. Eugene advised the students to be serious with their academic pursuit and make their parents proud by graduating with good grades

“The university is not a place to come to waste your time but to improve yourself, it is not all about getting the certificate but about going through the university and allowing the institution to go through you”.

He advised the students not to disappoint their parents by focusing on their studies and making the best use of the opportunity to graduate with good grades.

Hon. Inegbebor further stated that he will discuss with the Hon speaker, RT. Hon Blessing Agbebaku to see how Edo State House could institute a prize for the best graduating student in the university.

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Education

Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu Commends Benson Idahosa University’s Commitment to Tertiary Education

Published

4 months ago

December 21, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu Commends Benson Idahosa University’s Commitment to Tertiary Education

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Sahara Weekly Reports That Edo State, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, renowned clergy and spiritual leader, recently undertook a comprehensive tour of Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Edo State, culminating in a press release highlighting the institution’s dedication to tertiary education.

During his visit to BIU, Bishop Desmond expressed deep appreciation for the university authorities, commending them for the construction of a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance tertiary education in Nigeria. He lauded the quality of structures meticulously put in place to support academic pursuits.

The clergy took a moment to honor the late founder of the institution, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, recognizing the significant role his legacy played in the establishment of the university. Bishop Desmond Osazuwa conveyed his heartfelt desire for the continued universal recognition of Archbishop Benson Idahosa’s name.

In a reflective statement, the Archbishop underscored the inclusive nature of educational development, asserting that the successful establishment of such a facility could be replicated by anyone. Additionally, he seized the opportunity to extend prayers for the university’s membership and the broader community.

Bishop Osazuwa’s press release serves as a testament to Benson Idahosa University’s commitment to advancing education and commemorating the visionary contributions of its late founder.

About Benson Idahosa University

Benson Idahosa University, popularly known as BIU, is a leading institution committed to providing quality tertiary education in Nigeria. Founded on the principles of excellence and integrity, the university strives to contribute significantly to the intellectual and moral development of its students.