Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project examines the lexico-semantic nigerianism in Nigerian newspapers. Nigerian English, also known as Nigerian Standard English (NSE), is a unique variety of English that has evolved in Nigeria due to historical, cultural, and social factors. This study focuses on the lexical and semantic features of Nigerian English as seen in Nigerian newspapers. The research aims to identify and analyze the distinct linguistic characteristics that define Nigerianism in the lexicon and semantics of Nigerian newspapers. The methodology of this research involves a thorough analysis of selected Nigerian newspapers to identify the lexico-semantic nigerianism present in the language used. The analysis will focus on lexical items that are specific to Nigerian English and examine how these words and phrases are used in the context of news reporting. Additionally, the study will investigate the semantic nuances that characterize Nigerian English in the newspapers, including semantic shifts, extensions, and adaptations of standard English meanings. By examining the lexico-semantic nigerianism in Nigerian newspapers, this research contributes to the understanding of the unique linguistic features of Nigerian English and its role in shaping the communication landscape in Nigeria. The study also sheds light on how Nigerian newspapers reflect and contribute to the development of Nigerian English as a distinct variety of English. The findings of this research are expected to reveal the prominent lexical and semantic features that distinguish Nigerian English from other varieties of English. By analyzing the language used in Nigerian newspapers, this study provides insights into the cultural and social influences that have shaped the evolution of Nigerian English. The research also highlights the importance of studying Nigerian English in the context of media discourse and its impact on language attitudes and language planning in Nigeria. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on Nigerian English and its linguistic characteristics. By focusing on the lexico-semantic nigerianism in Nigerian newspapers, this study provides a detailed analysis of how Nigerian English is used in the media and its significance in the Nigerian linguistic landscape.

Project 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.