IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY (JHSP )

E-ISSN 2545-5729
P-ISSN 2695 2416
VOL. 9 NO. 3 2023

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Distinctive Use of Second Language Techniques: A Study of the English Language in Nigeria

Okoro, Gladys Onyinyechi

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Abstract

English language which serves as the official language in Nigeria has certain socio-cultural variables influence its usage in the Nigerian context. The English language spoken in Nigeria is influenced by the various indigenous Nigerian languages. In order to meet the communicative needs of Nigerians, there is rapid expansion of the vocabulary of the language. This has brought about new coinages to suit the situation and context of usage. The English language spoken in Nigeria has undergone the process of rebirth to suit the Nigerian environment. The paper therefore examines the distinctive use of English language in Nigeria by looking at the features of the language that set it apart from other varieties of English. This paper then notes that the English language spoken in Nigeria is characterized by direct translation, transference, coinages and language mixing. The paper does not try to justify all the usage of the language as standard neither does it condemn them. However, some of these expressions are unavoidable since culture and language are interwoven.

keywords:

Nigeria, English language, Second language, English language in Nigeria, bilingualism

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