1.1 Introduction
Language is a dynamic system of communication that evolves to meet the expressive needs of its speakers. Coinages, in linguistic terms, is the creation of new words or expressions, often reflecting social, cultural, and technological developments (Crystal, 2003). In the Nigerian context, English has undergone a unique process of adaptation and innovation, giving rise to Nigerian English a variety that incorporates indigenous linguistic elements, local expressions, and creative modifications of standard English (Adegbija, 2004). The study of coinages in Nigerian English is particularly significant because it reveals how language evolves in response to local needs. Nigerian English speakers often coin new words to express concepts, experiences, and social phenomena that are inadequately captured by standard English (Bamgbose, 2011).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Language is a critical tool for human communication, social interaction, and cultural expression. According to Crystal (2003), language is not static but constantly evolves, responding to social, technological, and cultural changes. In the Nigerian context, English has experienced extensive adaptation, giving rise to a localized variety known as Nigerian English, which integrates indigenous linguistic elements, creative expressions, and novel lexical items (Adegbija, 2004). Scholars have reported that the emergence of coinages in Nigerian English is a reflection of the dynamic interplay between language and society, where speakers creatively modify and invent new words to express concepts that standard English does not adequately capture (Oyetade, 2015). Researchers have asserted that coinages in Nigerian English serve as markers of identity, social affiliation, and cultural creativity.
Bamgbose (2011) contended that these lexical innovations are prevalent in informal communication, social media, popular culture, and urban interaction, where users adapt language to suit local contexts and realities. It has also been stated that such coinages are instrumental in facilitating communication among speakers from diverse linguistic backgrounds, enabling mutual understanding while simultaneously embedding cultural nuances (Emenanjo, 2001). On the other hand, scholars have affirmed that while these coinages enrich the linguistic landscape, they also pose challenges for language standardization, formal education, and comprehension in professional settings.
Okoro (2017) reported that the divergence between standard English and locally coined expressions sometimes creates tension in classrooms, workplaces, and official communication, where adherence to conventional norms is expected. Moreover, Adegbija (2004) contended that the absence of systematic documentation and scholarly analysis of Nigerian English coinages limits their recognition and understanding, despite their sociolinguistic significance. It is evident from these studies that Nigerian English coinages are more than mere lexical innovations; they are reflective of the socio-cultural dynamics, creativity, and identity of Nigerian speakers. They illuminate how language adapts to societal changes, cultural influences, and technological developments, thus forming an essential component of Nigeria's linguistic heritage. This study is set against the backdrop of examining the nature, types, and sociolinguistic functions of coinages in Nigerian English, with a focus on how these lexical innovations emerge, spread, and influence communication across different social contexts.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that language is a living entity that evolves over time, adapting to the cultural, social, and technological needs of its speakers. In the Nigerian context, English has undergone significant transformation due to historical, social, and cultural influences, giving rise to unique lexical items commonly referred to as coinages (Adegbija, 2004). On the other hand, the pervasive influence of globalization and digital communication is accelerating the creation and dissemination of new coinages in Nigerian English. Social media platforms, advertising, popular culture, and everyday interactions is constantly generating novel lexical items that reshape communication patterns (Bamgbose, 2011).
Furthermore, there is limited empirical research on the sociolinguistic motivations behind these coinages, including the social factors, identity markers, and pragmatic purposes that influence their use. The lack of comprehensive studies means that many of these lexical items remain marginalized or misunderstood, despite their significance in reflecting Nigerian society and culture (Oyetade, 2015). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to explore the nature, usage, and sociolinguistic implications of coinages in Nigerian English, providing a thorough examination of how these innovations reflect and shape contemporary Nigerian society.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the phenomenon of coinages in Nigerian English from a sociolinguistic perspective. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the impact of coinages on communication and comprehension in educational and professional contexts.
- To identify the types of coinages commonly used in Nigerian English.
- To examine the sociolinguistic factors that influence the creation and use of coinages.
- To explore the cultural and identity-related functions of Nigerian English coinages.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the common types of coinages in Nigerian English?
- What sociolinguistic factors influence the creation and use of these coinages?
- How do coinages affect communication and comprehension in educational and professional settings?
- In what ways do coinages reflect cultural identity and social affiliation among Nigerian speakers?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the use of Nigerian English coinages and effective communication in educational and professional contexts.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the use of Nigerian English coinages and effective communication in educational and professional contexts.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The use of Nigerian English coinages do not significantly influences communication and comprehension in educational and professional contexts.
- H1: The use of Nigerian English coinages significantly influences communication and comprehension in educational and professional contexts.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will assist linguists and researchers in documenting and analyzing these lexical innovations. The study will also benefit educators and curriculum developers by informing language teaching practices that reflect local linguistic realities.
Furthermore, media practitioners will better appreciate the creativity and identity-marking functions of these expressions. In addition, policymakers and communication professionals will gain insights into how coinages shape public discourse and social interaction.
Lastly, the research will serve as a reference for students and future scholars interested in Nigerian English and sociolinguistic studies.
1.8 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The study is delimited to Lagos State, Nigeria, with particular attention to secondary schools, social media platforms, and popular culture sources. The research focuses on commonly used coinages in Nigerian English, leaving out less frequently used expressions and slang from other regions, as the scope is concentrated on observable patterns within Lagos State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Operational Definition of Terms
Coinages: Refers to newly created words or expressions in Nigerian English, often arising from indigenous language influence, cultural practices, or digital communication (Crystal, 2003).
Nigerian English: A localized variety of English spoken in Nigeria, characterized by unique lexical, phonological, and syntactic features influenced by indigenous languages (Adegbija, 2004).
Sociolinguistics: The study of how language interacts with society, including factors such as culture, identity, social class, and communication practices (Emenanjo, 2001).
Lexical Innovation: The process of creating new words or expressions to meet the communicative needs of speakers (Oyetade, 2015).
Standard English: The conventional form of English used in formal education, professional, and official communication, often contrasted with localized varieties like Nigerian English (Bamgbose, 2011).
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