CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The literature of sociolinguistics elucidates the significance of language to human existence. For example, Charles Chukwuma Montanya(Chukwuma, C. M., 2017) notes that “one of the most important differences between man and animals is man’s ability to speak and make others understand him. Language is the only means through which this is achieved in man’s life. Language is the medium or vehicle for conveying ideas, a system of arbitrary vocal symbol based on social cooperation; the totality of meaningful utterances in a given society” This study examines the roles of Nigerian Pidgin English in the building of the Nigerian nation. The study makes an overview of multilingual Nigeria to locate how Nigerian Pidgin English is placed in terms of recognition, acceptability and functions.

        The Nigerian Pidgin is widespread and spoken throughout the country (Ifechelobi and Ifechelobi 2015), as should a national (indigenous) language, thus necessitating a National Language Policy.A national language policy is inspired by the pursuit to ‘minimize internal differences & maximize external ones’. However, in order to minimize internal differences, the ideal national language policy purposes that all citizens of the nation speaking the same language (McConville 2016). In recognition of the impact of a language several countries have made a case for implementation of a National language policy (Bruen 2013), (Albury 2015), (McConville 2016), (East, Chung and Arkinstall 2012) (Gao 2017). Nigeria also has a gap in this regard, as it has no language policy in Nigeria despite calls for it plus a language planning (Ogunmodimu 2015) (East, Chung and Arkinstall 2012), however in an attempt at a ‘balanced’ approach, the government via the National communication policy carries that the national languages are three regional indigenous ones, Hausa, Ibo & Yoruba, and then the English Language (Davydov, Shapoval and Weber 2018). With the English language being the language of formal education and legislation, and business, locally and internationally. It is worthy of note that Nigeria has over 500 locallanguages and rich cultures, some of which are gradually going extinct. The minority groups and languages feel maligned even from political roles at the national level, as it appears only persons from largely two of the major tribes get the big positions and make room for their ‘brothers’. Many have little or no sense of belonging towards the Nigerian state. This palpable division has led to and continues to fuel civil unrest and external intrusions to polity, from Western powers and recently, the Asians.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This quandary’s root cause as mentioned before can be traced to an identity crisis, not just of Nigeria but Africa, and it is not unrelated to the negative impact of Western domination in years past, globalisation and neo-colonialism. As a panacea, this paper leans on Kwasi Wiredu’s proposition of Cultural Universals (language communication in particular) as essential for intercultural communication (Fayemi 2011). Effective intercultural communication, in our context, implies a means for national unity, communication, growth and development.Findingsfrom empirical reviews validate the assumption that Nigerian Pidgin speaking is more popular compared to the 3 regional languages, Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba. English language is learnt within formal school structure thus making it elitist and reducing development and eloquence on a mass scale. Even now, adverts and general announcements from the government are broadcasted in pidgin to ease the dissemination and understanding of the message. From the foregoing, objective reality indicates that the languages for national communication via the national communication policy appears incapable for effective national communication. However, Pidgin English cuts across all socio-economic classes, ethnicities and literacy level.In view of this objective reality, this paper proposes that the pragmatic approach for the government is a review of the National communication policy, creation of a language policy and declaration that the Nigerian Pidgin be added and top the list of languages for National Communication, in the interest of National Unity. The subject matter will be considered by looking at the Nigerian Pidgin English origins and place in National communication. The study also test the Nigerian Pidgin English against the Spolsky National Language Policy Theory. It also looks the language’s dynamic position as a cultural universal to cater for the nation’s multi-ethnic milieu. It is to this regard the study is based onNigerian pidgin English; an examination of its linguistic features and role in national development

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 The study seeks to examine the Nigerian pidgin English; an examination of its linguistic features and role in national development. The objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the relationship between the Nigeria pidgin English and national development
2. To determine the linguistic features of the Nigeria pidgin English
3. To identify the factors affecting the roles of the Nigeria pidgin English in national development
4. To recommend ways to improve the roles of the Nigeria pidgin English innational development

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research questions are:

1. What is the relationship between the Nigeria pidgin English and national development?
2. What are the linguistic features of the Nigeria pidgin English?
3. What are the factors affecting the roles of the Nigeria pidgin English in national development?
4. What are the ways to improve the roles of the Nigeria pidgin English innational development?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0:there is no significantrelationship between the Nigeria pidgin English and national development

H1:there is significantrelationship between the Nigeria pidgin English and national development

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

1.     The outcome of this research will create awareness to both the general public and students about the Nigerian pidgin English; an examination of its linguistic features and role in national development.

2.     This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of the Nigerian pidgin English; an examination of its linguistic features and role in national development, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study covers onNigerian pidgin English; an examination of its linguistic features and role in national development

1.8 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Nigerian pidgin English:Nigerian Pidgin, also known as Naija or Naijá in scholarship, is an English-based creole language spoken as a lingua franca across Nigeria. The language is sometimes referred to as Pijin, Brokun 'Ullu' or "Vernacular"

National development:National development is the capacity of the country to raise the standard of living of its residents