French Language and the Nigerian Diaspora in Francophone Countries: Language Planning Implications

The Nigerian diaspora in francophone African countries and France constitutes a growing population whose French language needs, practices, and language planning implications for both Nigeria and host country institutions have not been examined in the professional applied linguistics literature. This study investigates French language practices and planning needs of the Nigerian diaspora community in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, and France, drawing implications for language planning in Nigeria and host countries. A qualitative sociolinguistic design was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 55 Nigerian diaspora members across the three countries, supplemented by observations at Nigerian community gatherings and document analysis of relevant language planning instruments. Interview data explored French language acquisition pathways, current usage patterns, attitudes toward French, and perceived language support needs. Results reveal three distinct language planning challenge clusters: acquisition support for recently arrived Nigerians in francophone host countries who lack adequate French for employment and civic participation; maintenance of Nigerian languages alongside French in second-generation diaspora children; and transfer of advanced French competence back to Nigeria by returning diaspora members. Host country language integration programmes are largely inaccessible to irregular migrants within the Nigerian diaspora population. The study proposes a diaspora French language planning framework with recommendations addressing pre-departure French preparation in Nigeria, host country Nigerian community language support services, and diaspora French expertise leverage for Nigerian language education. Keywords: Nigerian diaspora, French language, language planning, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire