LANGUAGE, SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Abstract

This paper, using functionalism as a theoretical guide, is an evaluation of the relationship between language, science and society. The objective is to show the link between the three and to clear the erroneous assumption that there is little connection between language and science or that language contributes nothing to the development of society. While science focuses on the study of the natural and physical environment, language provides the scientist the medium with which to carry out his/her research and to communicate the results of the research to society. The three objectives of this paper are to show the connection between language, science and society, to explain the importance of language to society and to draw attention to the need to invest on language research and development. The paper is purely qualitative and the methodology used is a review of archival and existing literature. It is established that every society needs science and language to survive. The misuse of language or science could have grave consequences for society. The paper recommends the need for a critical appraisal of the place of science and language in society and concludes that the teaching / funding of certain subjects should not be prioritised over others by regulatory bodies as is currently done in developing countries like Nigeria which down plays language education while placing undue emphasis on science education.