The Role of Nigerian Pidgin English as Communication Device

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem.

1.3 Aims and Objectives

1.4 Significance of the Study

1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Multilingualism

2.3 Diglossia

2.4 Pidgin and Creole

2.5 First Language and Second Language

2.6 Code Switching

2.7 The Nigerian Pidgin (NP)

2.8 The Place of Pidgin in Contemporary Nigerian Society

2.9 Features of Nigerian Pidgin

2.10 The Status of Nigerian Pidgin

2.11 Previous works on pidgin

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Types of Research

3.3 Subject of investigation

3.4 Research Instruments

3.5 Research Procedure

3.6 Theoretical framework

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.0 Interview Methodology

4.1 Interview Findings

4.1.1 Introduction

4.1.2 Social Context

4.1.3 Code Switching

4.1.3.1 Reasons for Occurrence of Code-switching

4.1.4 Speaker's Mood

4.1.5 Role of Pidgin

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendation

Research Goals and Objectives

This study aims to explore the prevalence and impact of Nigerian Pidgin English within a multilingual academic setting, specifically at Benson Idahosa University. It investigates how students use this language as a communicative tool and examines their attitudes toward its use in informal versus formal interactions.

• Examination of the extent of Pidgin usage among students at Benson Idahosa University.
• Analysis of student attitudes toward Pidgin as a communicative choice.
• Assessment of the unifying role of Pidgin in a multicultural student body.
• Identification of the linguistic effects of Pidgin on standard English proficiency.
• Evaluation of social and situational factors influencing code-switching behaviors.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the definition and background of Pidgin, outlining the research problem, objectives, and the significance of the study within the context of Benson Idahosa University.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews relevant sociolinguistic theories and concepts, including multilingualism, diglossia, the distinction between Pidgin and Creole, and the specific characteristics and status of Nigerian Pidgin.

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the instruments of data collection and the procedural approach, explaining the use of observation and interviews to gather primary data from students.

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: This chapter presents the findings from the student interviews, analyzing usage patterns, code-switching triggers, and the influence of Pidgin on the students' standard English proficiency.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION: This chapter synthesizes the research results, provides conclusions regarding the unifying role of Pidgin, and offers recommendations for balancing language usage to strengthen communication skills.

Keywords

Nigerian Pidgin, Multilingualism, Code-switching, Sociolinguistics, Benson Idahosa University, Diglossia, Language contact, Pidginization, Lingua Franca, Communicative competence, Student attitudes, Language policy, Urban networks, Identity, Solidarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research focuses on the usage, perception, and sociolinguistic role of Nigerian Pidgin English among university students, specifically at Benson Idahosa University.

What are the primary themes addressed in the book?

Key themes include the development of Pidgin as a contact language, its unifying effect in multicultural settings, the phenomenon of code-switching, and its impact on the formal English skills of educated Nigerians.

What is the ultimate research objective?

The objective is to determine how and why students at the university use Pidgin and whether it serves as a necessary, functional tool or if it acts as a hindrance to standard language proficiency.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The study utilizes a qualitative approach, relying on purposive sampling, participant observation, and one-on-one structured interviews with twenty students.

What topics are covered in the main body of the work?

The main body covers a thorough literature review of Pidgin history and linguistics, the methodology for data collection, the presentation of interview findings, and a discussion of social context and speaker mood.

Which keywords define this study?

The study is characterized by keywords such as Nigerian Pidgin, Code-switching, Sociolinguistics, Multilingualism, and Communicative competence.

How does the author define the relationship between Pidgin and 'Broken English'?

The text clarifies that while some label it 'Broken English' to imply a bastardized form of language, scholars argue that Nigerian Pidgin is a complete linguistic system with its own rules and pragmatic value.

What role does the 'monogenetic theory' play in this study?

The author adopts the monogenetic theory in the methodology to support the view that all Pidgins and Creoles can be traced back to one common linguistic variety, providing a theoretical foundation for the study.

What specific observation does the study make about student code-switching?

The study observes that students frequently alternate between Pidgin and Standard English depending on the intimacy of their relationship with the listener and the level of formality required in the specific context.