Nigerian English: Towards Codification, Legislation and Standardisation

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Abdullahi-Idiagbon M.S.

Abstract

Apart from its primary function as a means of interaction among the masses of varying ethnic and racial backgrounds in Nigeria, English plays an important role as the official language of transactions in all sectors. Nigerian English, as the Nigerian variety is called, has a distinctive structure and idiosyncratic usage, part of which is at times considered to be erroneous but which, over time, has
become standardised. This paper investigates the processes and significance of compilation, codification, legislation and standardisation of new and loan words into this variety explicating the need for proper and collective coordination by eligible and designated bodies. Examples of new and borrowed words are given and their semantic implications emphasised. The paper discovers that the uniqueness in structure and usage is more of a difference rather than a deviance and it calls for more local and global recognition for this respected brand as a variety of the world English.

Key words: Nigerian English; Codification; Legislation;
Standardisation

Article Details

How to Cite
M.S., A.-I. (2014). Nigerian English: Towards Codification, Legislation and Standardisation. Journal of Studies in the English Language, 9. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jsel/article/view/25406
Issue
Vol. 9 (2014)
Section
Articles
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Author Biography

Abdullahi-Idiagbon M.S.

Department of English University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria