Abstract:

This study which interrogates the policy debates concerning migration, social cohesion and integration within the Economic Community of West African States takes into consideration the role(s) which language plays in these dynamics. International migration constitutes a complex phenomenon that has continued to grow in scope, complexity and importance, affecting several nations of the world. Various strategies have been put in place within the West African sub-region with the aim of achieving a fully economically and politically integrated sub-region. However, among the strategies to achieve this aim, language has not been given much consideration and this study reveals that an appropriate language policy is important for regional integration and development to occur. The study adopts the neo-functional theory as framework for analysis and through extensive review of extant literature and analysis of relevant secondary data, finds that language plays a very crucial role in social cohesion and the adoption of a language policy that works will facilitate migration in West Africa and ultimately see to the realization of the vision of integration in the sub-region in years to come.