Thesis Abstract

Lexico-semantic Nigerianism in Nigerian Newspapers Abstract
This research project investigates the lexico-semantic Nigerianism in Nigerian newspapers. Nigerian English, as used in newspapers, is a unique form of English that reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity of Nigeria. The study aims to identify and analyze the specific lexico-semantic features that characterize Nigerian English in newspapers, focusing on the various linguistic strategies employed by Nigerian journalists and writers. The research methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of a corpus of newspaper articles from a diverse range of Nigerian newspapers. This corpus will be examined to identify recurring lexical and semantic patterns that are distinct to Nigerian English. The study will also explore the historical and sociolinguistic factors that have influenced the development of Nigerian English, especially in the context of newspaper journalism. One key aspect of the research is the examination of lexical borrowings, coinages, semantic shifts, and other linguistic innovations that are commonly found in Nigerian newspapers. These lexico-semantic Nigerianisms play a crucial role in shaping the distinct character of Nigerian English and reflecting the cultural identity of Nigeria. Through detailed linguistic analysis, the study aims to provide insights into how Nigerian journalists creatively adapt English to suit local contexts and effectively communicate with their readers. Additionally, the research project will investigate the attitudes and perceptions of both Nigerian readers and journalists towards lexico-semantic Nigerianisms in newspapers. By conducting surveys and interviews, the study seeks to understand how these linguistic features are perceived within the Nigerian society and whether they are seen as markers of identity or as deviations from standard English norms. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature on World Englishes and language variation by providing a detailed analysis of lexico-semantic Nigerianism in the context of Nigerian newspapers. The study will shed light on the creative strategies employed by Nigerian journalists to navigate between local linguistic norms and global standards of English usage. Overall, this research project seeks to deepen our understanding of how language is shaped by culture and context, particularly in the vibrant and dynamic linguistic landscape of Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

1.0 BACKGROUND TO STUDY

The English language in Nigeria is older than the Nigerian nation. It was formally introduced in 1842 by the first batch of missionaries who arrived in Badagry to evangelize as well as educate Nigerians (Tomori, 1981). When a language comes in contact with new environment, for it to survive, it has to adopt and change to reflect the needs of its new environment. The English language is no exception: the language is about 170 years old in Nigeria (as it was formally introduced in 1842). The English language has become so much adopted that it has been demosticated, nativesed and acculturated (Adegbija 2004). The English language has been Nigerianized. This adaptation of English emanating from the distinctive use of the language by Nigerians gave birth to what is known as Nigerian English (NE). What Bamgbose (1995), Adegbija (2004), Akere(2005) refer to as “nativazation”, “domestication” and “indigenization” of English in Nigeria.

The change of meaning that occurs in the Nigerian context of English usage may be due to factors such as adaptation of English to Nigerians’ needs influence of indigenous languages, influence of Nigerian culture, which is different from the British culture. Although there are changes of meaning of certain words that differ from the native speakers’ usage, nonetheless, there are common grounds in which particular lexical items are use alike.