Syntactic innovation processes in Nigerian English

This study investigates the syntactic features of Nigerian English which have been created through the following processes – the use of subjectless sentences, reduplication, double subjects, Pidgin-influenced structures, discourse particles, verbless sentences, and substitution. It observes that the fact that some features of Nigerian English syntax are shared by other new Englishes is a healthy development for the identity of non-native varieties around the world. It finally recommends the codification of the new norms into variety-specific grammars and a common grammar of new Englishes

Oppressing the oppressed: the threats of Hausa and English to Nigeria's minority languages

This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.In Nigeria, English is generally perceived as a dominant language. The dream of ‘‘one north’’ makes Hausa a lingua franca in northern Nigeria, with the potential of annihilating the over 200 indigenous languages spoken in that region. However, the increasing wave of ethnic consciousness as well as the ongoing agitations for the rights of minority languages have raised questions on the continued domination of minority languages by Hausa and English. Using data from a language-use questionnaire among northern and southern minority language speakers, the study shows that Hausa and English are fast replacing minority mother tongues in informal domains and situational contexts which are expected to be dominated by mother tongues.Peer Reviewe

The role of Linguistic Landscape in Language Maintenance: A case study of Yoruba in Ibadan

Enough academic attention has not been paid to the role of linguistic landscape (LL) plays in language maintenance. This study investigates the roles LL plays in maintaining and promoting the Yoruba language.  Data were collected within Ibadan metropolis as digital camera was used to take 50 pictures of signposts, billboards, banners and other inscriptions; but, 20 of them were purposively selected for analysis. A semiotic analysis of the visual of inscriptions was carried out. Although the study observed the following linguistic patterns on the LL of Ibadan–English only, Yoruba only, Yoruba with English, Igbo with English, and a mixture of English, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, the emphasis was placed on the use of Yoruba. The use of Yoruba on the LL of Ibadan has essentially helped to preserve Yoruba names, traditions, and orthography, as well highlight the roles of the language in commercial advertisements, political campaigns, and religious purposes

The Igbo Tradition in the Nigerian Novel

This study aims to establish the Igbo tradition in Nigerian literature through the use of English language. The language of the writers of Igbo literary tradition is an ethnic variety of Nigerian English, which is characterized essentially by lexical innovation, translation and linguistic and cultural transfer. Chinua Achebe stands out in this direction in view of his contributions to Nigerian literature through his peculiar and creative use of language. This effort is not peculiar to Achebe, but an Igbo tradition which emanates from Igbo language and culture as has been demonstrated in the works of some of the most prolific Igbo English writers, precisely John Munonye, Buchi Emecheta, Chukwuemeka Ike, Cyprian Ekwensi, Nkem Nwankwo, and Elechi Amadi. This literary tradition has become a significant stylistic device in that it grants writers the freedom to use the English language creatively

AGENTS OF PROGRESS OR PROBLEM-MAKERS?: MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE IGBO LANGUAGE

During the second half of the 19th century, Christian missionaries became active in various areas of southern Nigeria, including Igboland. Missionaries later learned and developed indigenous Nigerian languages in order to reach the people and spread their gospel. In particular, the missionaries worked hard to study and develop the Igbo language. However, rivalry between various missionary groups may have resulted in crises and conflicts that adversely affected the language as well as attitudes toward it. This study investigates the roles played by Christian missionaries in the development of the Igbo language, with the goal of determining whether they were in fact agents of progress or problem-makers

Syntactic innovation processes in Nigerian English

This study investigates the syntactic features of Nigerian English which have been created through the following processes - the use of subjectless sentences, reduplication, double subjects, Pidgin-influenced structures, discourse particles, verbless sentences, and substitution. It observes that the fact that some features of Nigerian English syntax are shared by other new Englishes is a healthy development for the identity of non-native varieties around the world. It finally recommends the codification of the new norms into variety-specific grammars and a common grammar of new Englishes

Ethnic Englishes in Nigeria: the Role of Literature in the Development of Igbo English

(The Journal of Cultural Studies: 2000 2(1): 219-230