| Title: |
Nigerian English as a Compulsive Variety in Braj Kachru’s Concentric Circles |
| Author(s): |
S.A. DADA, Dare OWOLABI & O. BAMIGBOYE |
| Abstract: |
The motivation for this study stemmed from the lingering controversy of the existence of a variety of English called Nigerian English. The major aim of the research was to affirm the existence of a variety of English that is peculiarly Nigerian, situated within Braj Kachru’s three concentric circles. Five research questions were raised in line with the stated objectives of the research. The major instrument used for the study was Likert’s Rating Scale. 722 out of 1000 copies of the questionnaire sent out with the assistance of five research assistants were retrieved. Two research assumptions were raised to guide the realization of five research objectives using five corresponding research questions. Since data for this study can only be supplied by people who are no less than Senior School Certificate holders, we adopted a purposive sampling technique. The responses were analysed and interpreted using non-parametric statistics. The responses were streamlined and categorized into two parallel poles: Agree (A) and Disagree (D). A mean cut-off point was set at 3.1 to either Accept (A) or Reject (R) the final responses of an item on the Rating Scale. Our findings show that NE is evident and manifests in the areas of lexis especially in morphological processes; syntax as obvious in transliteration and verbosity; semantics observable in narrowing, expansion, amelioration and pejoration and pragmatics in the area of nativisation. We recognize and recommend that Nigerian English is phenomenal enough and must be improved upon through the study of literature, preferably throughout the duration of secondary education. |
| Keywords: |
Nigeria’s linguistic environment, Nigerian English, concentric circles, compulsive variety, World En
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EBONYI JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
