Thesis Abstract

Syntactic innovation processes in Nigerian involve the dynamic evolution of linguistic structures within the Nigerian language context. This study aims to explore the mechanisms and patterns through which syntactic innovations occur in Nigerian languages, focusing on both the internal and external factors that drive these changes. By employing a combination of descriptive and theoretical analyses, this research seeks to uncover the underlying principles governing syntactic innovation in Nigerian languages. One of the key aspects of syntactic innovation in Nigerian languages is the influence of contact with other languages. The multilingual nature of Nigeria, with over 500 languages spoken, creates a fertile ground for language contact phenomena. This contact often leads to the borrowing of syntactic structures from one language to another, resulting in the creation of new syntactic patterns. Through a detailed examination of language contact situations in Nigeria, this study aims to elucidate how syntactic innovations are propagated and integrated into the linguistic systems of Nigerian languages. Furthermore, the internal dynamics of Nigerian languages play a crucial role in shaping syntactic innovation processes. Language-internal factors such as language typology, grammatical restructuring, and language change mechanisms contribute to the development of new syntactic constructions. By investigating the structural properties of Nigerian languages and analyzing the ways in which these structures evolve over time, this research seeks to uncover the internal mechanisms that drive syntactic innovation within the Nigerian linguistic landscape. In addition to language contact and internal language dynamics, sociolinguistic factors also play a significant role in the process of syntactic innovation in Nigerian languages. Social variables such as language use, language attitudes, and language policies influence the adoption and spread of innovative syntactic structures. This study will examine the sociolinguistic dimensions of syntactic innovation in Nigerian languages, shedding light on how social factors interact with linguistic structures to shape the trajectory of syntactic change. Overall, this research project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of syntactic innovation processes in Nigerian languages by integrating insights from syntax, sociolinguistics, and language contact studies. By uncovering the intricate mechanisms through which syntactic innovations occur in Nigerian languages, this study contributes to our understanding of language change and variation in multilingual contexts.

Thesis Overview

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.