Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project delves into the manifestation of non-standard English usage among university students from a syntactic perspective. The study aims to explore the various syntactic deviations and errors present in the English language usage of university students, particularly focusing on non-standard forms that diverge from the norms of Standard English. By analyzing the syntactic structures and patterns employed by university students in their written and spoken communication, this research seeks to uncover the underlying reasons for these deviations and their impact on language proficiency. The methodology employed in this study involves collecting a corpus of written assignments, essays, and transcripts of spoken interactions from university students across different disciplines. These samples are then analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the specific syntactic deviations present in the students' language usage. The analysis will focus on aspects such as word order, sentence structure, verb tense, agreement, and other syntactic features that may differ from the standard conventions of English grammar. Through this research, we aim to shed light on the factors influencing the non-standard syntactic usage among university students. Possible factors to be considered include the influence of first language interference, educational background, socio-cultural factors, and language exposure. By exploring these factors, we hope to gain a better understanding of why university students exhibit non-standard English usage and how this affects their overall language proficiency. Furthermore, this study also aims to examine the implications of non-standard syntactic usage on university students' academic performance and communication skills. By identifying the specific syntactic errors and deviations prevalent among students, educators and language practitioners can develop targeted interventions to address these issues and enhance students' language competence. Overall, this research project contributes to the existing body of knowledge on non-standard English usage by focusing on the syntactic perspective among university students. By delving into the syntactic deviations present in their language usage, this study provides valuable insights into the complexities of language variation and the factors influencing non-standard English usage in academic settings.

Project Overview

1.0 Introduction

Language is characterized by set of vocal sounds which can be decoded. These are produced by human organs of speech- lips, tongue, and larynx etc. The vocal sounds produced by the vocal organs are used in various systematic and rule governed combinations. Language is thus a human phenomenon that has form which can be described in terms of the units of sound (phonemes), words, morphemes, phrases, and paragraph or discourse. Human language is unique in the sense that it has its own structure, its own system of organizing its component units into meaningful patterns.

English, Nigeria’s official language, occupies a unique place in Nigerian education today; not only has English been adopted as the principal medium of instruction in Nigeria’s educational institutions but it has also been institutionalized as the language of educational evaluation in Nigeria school system. However, Kujore notes that it is alarming how in spite of the tremendous functions that English performs as the language of instruction and evaluation in Nigeria and the bold effort made over the years to encourage its effective usage, the vast majority of speakers record in recent years is an appalling low level performance in the language (Kujore, 1995).

This research is going to investigate the instances of the non standard use of English. Whenever a language functions as a borrowed second language, problems of usage are bound to arise. This is because when a language moves out of its original speech community, it is inevitable to have some super imposed linguistics features and frictions resulting from the meeting of two systems and cultural pattern. Moreover, when the English language (being outside its native environment) there is bound to be deviation from the norms in usage (Olagoke 1981). An adult will have learnt one language, which is his mother tongue, which feature she naturally transfers some features to the second language. The study will identify and describe some sub varieties of English usage in Nigeria, which are instances of the use of non Standard English because of the multiplicity of ethnic groups in the country.