English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
English, English Language, the English language
You have to pass ~English~ to be able to seek admission (nonstandard).
You have to pass ~English language~ to be able to seek admission (nonstandard).
You have to pass English Language to be able to seek admission (standard). When it means a subject, the l in language has to be capitalised.
I speak ~English language~ fluently (nonstandard).
I speak English fluently (standard). The verb, “speak”, renders the noun, language, redundant in the sentence. This applies to all languages. Once you say you speak it, the noun, language, doesn’t have to follow it.
I speak Yoruba language very well too. ✖️
I speak Yoruba very well too. ✔️
Note that the l in language should be in lower case when referring to English as a language (not, as a subject) and it should be preceded by the definite article, “the”:
English Language is easy to speak. ✖️
English language is easy to speak. ✖️
The English Language is easy to speak. ✖️
The English language is easy to speak. ✔️
GAB
