A SOCIOLINGUISTICSTUDY OF THE USE OF NIGERIAN PIDGIN ENGLISH
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Date
2024
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Abstract
This study investigates the use of Nigerian Pidgin English among drivers and students in Malete Motor Park, focusing on how language serves as a tool Tor communication and social negotiation in a commercial context. Using the
Communication Accommodation Theory(CAT),the study examines the linguistic
strategies employed by participants to adapt their language based dynamics, on social power relations, and cultural backgrounds. Through the analysis of selected conversations, the research highlights the role of Pidgin English as a lingua franca that facilitates interaction across diverse ethnic and linguistic groups,
emphasizing its effectiveness in creating a shared sense of identity .Findings
reveal that language features such as address forms, humor, and negotiation
techniques are integral to fostering interpersonal rapport and managing social
hierarchies. Address terms like "Oga" serve to acknowledge status and build
respect, while humor and pleasantries help ease tensions and promote
camaraderie. Negotiation over fares and services reflect the socioeconomic
realities faced by both drivers and students, highlighting the adaptive nature of
language in addressing economic status. This study concludes thatlanguage use in
Malete Motor Park is not merely a tool for basic communication but a means of
reinforcing social bonds, navigating power dynamics, and expressing cultural
identity. These interactions demonstrate how linguistic convergence through
Pidgin English facilitates mutual understanding and social cohesion, providing
insights into the broader implications of language use in similar sociolinguistic
environments. Recommendations for further research include exploring the
impact of technological advancements on communication patterns and examining
the role of non-verbal cues in enhancing linguistic accommodation. The study
contributes to the field of sociolinguistics by providing a deeper understanding of
language as a dynamic and multifaceted social phenomenon in commercial
settings.