A Linguistic Study of the NigerianNess of Nigerian Pidgin in Selected Literary Works

A Linguistic Study of the Nigerian-Ness' of Nigerian Pidgin in Selected Literary Works

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-10306-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “A Linguistic Study of the Nigerian-Ness' of Nigerian Pidgin in Selected Literary Works” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of English Language, Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “A Linguistic Study of the Nigerian-Ness' of Nigerian Pidgin in Selected Literary Works” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

ABSTRACT

This thesis titled “A Linguistic study of the „Nigerian-ness‟ of Nigerian Pidgin in Selected Literary Works” was embarked upon because of the resistance many Nigerians have to the use of Nigerian Pidgin (NP); they see it as foreign and a corruption of the English Language. Besides, many people, especially non-linguists feel that pidgin Englishes in West Africa are all the same no matter which country the Pidgin exists in. The researcher therefore sets out to investigate the lexical and syntactic features in NP to find out whether they are uniquely Nigerian. Two texts were used for analysis − an earlier text: “Sozaboy” by Ken Saro Wiwa (1985), and a contemporary one:“Abuja na Kpangba an oda Puem-dem” by Eriata Oribhabor (2011).Jowitt„s (1991)―Theory of Interlanguage”(whichinvolves borrowing) and Fishman‟s (1971) theory of the “Great Tradition” (which refers to the presence of a national symbol of identity) were useful in identifying various features of NP which are unique to Nigeria.

The contributions of various Nigerian Languages to the vocabulary of NP were identified and it was noted that cultural influences from the indigenous languages are important constituents of NP. Our findings confirm the works of many researchers that NP is a language with a fixed and describable grammar like any other living language. Our work shows that NP is clearly distinct from the English Language, even though the bulk of its initial vocabulary was derived from the English Language. Our research also reveals that all things considered- vocabulary, syntax and other linguistic features- NP is uniquely Nigerian.

A Linguistic Study of the Nigerian-Ness’ of Nigerian Pidgin in Selected Literary Works

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Many people have a predictable reaction to pidgin languages. They find them amusing, humorous or babyish. Yet research has shown that pidgins are real languages, not baby-talk; that they are and can be used for serious purposes, and that each stable or extended pidgin has a describable and distinctive linguistic structure. As a result the study of pidgins is not new. Decamp as cited in Hymes (1971) says that since the 1880's significant studies have appeared. The multilingual nature of many nations of the world has made pidgin come centre stage in linguistic study. Pidgins are seen as a solution to communication problems in multilingual settings. This is why they are called contact languages. Wherever they exist they are a lingua franca used among those who otherwise would not have been able to communicate with one another. They are nobody's language, yet used by all.

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CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

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