The Patterns of NonStandard English Words Usage in Formal Context

The Patterns of Non-Standard English Words Usage in Formal Context

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-23458-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “The Patterns of Non-Standard English Words Usage in Formal Context” 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 Education, Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “The Patterns of Non-Standard English Words Usage in Formal Context” 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

    CHAPTER TWO

    LITERATURE REVIEW

    • 2.1 Introduction
    • 2.2 Conceptual Review
    • 2.3 Theoretical Framework
    • ⋮
    • 2.4 Empirical Studies

    CHAPTER THREE

    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 Research Design
    • 3.3 Population of Study
    • 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
    • 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
    • 3.6 Method of Data Collection
    • 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
    • 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
    • 3.9 Ethical Consideration
    • 3.10 Statistical Analysis

    CHAPTER FOUR

    DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION

    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
    • 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
    • 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
    • 4.5 Discussion of Findings

    CHAPTER FIVE

    SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Summary of Findings
    • 5.3 Conclusion
    • 5.4 Recommendation
    • 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study

    REFERENCES

    APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”

    ABSTRACT

    This study dwells on the Sociolinguistic Patterns of Nonstandard English Words usage in Formal Contexts using students in higher institutions as a case study. The study begins by examining the centrality of the English language in the Nigerian society particularly in the educational sector. It then goes on to look at the variability of the English language and the role of social context in determining the most appropriate variety to be used hence the use of standard and nonstandard English in formal and informal contexts respectively. On the contrary, the target group of this study uses nonstandard English words in their spoken and written communication in formal contexts. The study, which is limited to the lexical variants, thus identifies these variant lexical items from students’ scripts and recorded discourses and thereafter examines their patterns of occurrence and the factors motivating their usage.

    The Patterns of Non-Standard English Words Usage in Formal Context

    CHAPTER ONE

    1.1 Introduction

    Sociolinguistics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the study of language in relation to society. Language and society are like hand and glove. They are interrelated as language can’t exist without society. Sociolinguistics can throw much light both on the nature of language and the nature of society. The way we use language in different social contexts provides a lot of information about both how language works and the social relationships in a community. It also throws light on the way people indicate their social identity through their language. Look at the example given below which is a conversation between a husband and a wife, when their daughter is around.

    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 purpose of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, and Limitations of the Study.

    1.2 Purpose of Study

    The purpose of the study is stated as follows;

    1. To examine the centrality of the English language in the Nigerian society particularly in the educational sector.
    2. To examine the Non-standard English words usage in formal context.
    3. To examine the variability of the English language and the role of social context in determining the most appropriate variety to be used hence the use of standard and nonstandard English in formal and informal contexts respectively.

    1.3 Scope of the Study

    This study dwells on the Sociolinguistic Patterns of Nonstandard English Words usage in Formal Contexts using students in higher institutions as a case study.

    1.4 Justification of the Study

    The study begins by examining the centrality of the English language in the Nigerian society particularly in the educational sector. It then goes on to look at the variability of the English language and the role of social context in determining the most appropriate variety to be used hence the use of standard and nonstandard English in formal and informal contexts respectively. On the contrary, the target group of this study uses nonstandard English words in their spoken and written communication in formal contexts. The study, which is limited to the lexical variants, thus identifies these variant lexical items from students’ scripts and recorded discourses and thereafter examines their patterns of occurrence and the factors motivating their usage.

    1.5 Methodology

    The study adopts an eclectic approach comprising Fishman’s Domain and Topics, Labov’s Quantitative Paradigm and Giles’ Accommodation theory.

    Using the Domain and Topics model, the study establishes the fact that the context/domain under consideration is formal based on the general subject areas under discussion, role relationships between the participants and setting of interaction. The study thereafter examines the social factors responsible for the use of identified nonstandard/non-English lexical items using the Labovian framework and Accommodation theory. Based on the study’s findings, social factors of language of the social media/Short Message Service’s shorthand, bilingualism used as a source of pity/obtaining undue favours, religion, familiarity/relaxed atmosphere and nature of students’ course/question asked motivated our subjects’ use of the identified nonstandard English lexical items.

    1.6 Significance of Study

    The study then looks at the general patterns that the identified lexical items take as well as the differences or similarities of these identified nonstandard English lexical items across the selected institutions. Finally, the study discusses its contributions to knowledge and makes suggestions for further research.

    Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.

    1.7 Limitations of the Study

    During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

    1. 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.
    2. Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
    …

    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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