THE ROLE OF ENGLISH IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEACEBUILDING AMONG SAHARA AREA RESIDENTS IN SOKOTO

The role of language in shaping peace and conflict outcomes has increasingly become the focus of academic and policy debates, particularly in multilingual societies such as Nigeria. In the Sahara area of Sokoto, where ethnic and linguistic diversity is pronounced, the use of English as Nigeria’s official language raises questions about its effectiveness in resolving local conflicts and fostering sustainable peace. This study examined how the English language influences conflict resolution and peacebuilding among residents of the region. The objectives were to determine the role of English in formal and informal conflict resolution, assess its contribution to peacebuilding, identify the challenges of relying on English, compare its role with indigenous languages such as Hausa and Fulfulde, and propose strategies to improve language-based peace interventions. The research was guided by Linguistic Relativity Theory, which argues that language shapes perception and interaction, and Communication Accommodation Theory, which highlights how language adaptation reduces tension and fosters cooperation. A qualitative research design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with community leaders, youth representatives, educators, and peace facilitators selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that while English is useful in official communication, legal documentation, and interethnic peace meetings, its limited accessibility among rural populations hinders inclusiveness. Hausa and Fulfulde were more effective in grassroots peacebuilding due to cultural familiarity and trust. The study recommends adopting a multilingual peace communication strategy, translating peace education materials into indigenous languages, and training bilingual mediators to bridge gaps between formal institutions and local communities. Keywords: English Language, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Indigenous Languages, Multilingualism