Background of the study
Nigerian Pidgin, a creole language born out of historical trade and cultural exchange, has evolved into a widely used lingua franca across various social strata. In tertiary institutions, it serves as a common medium of communication among students and staff from diverse linguistic backgrounds (Chukwu, 2023). Its informal and adaptable nature facilitates daily interactions and fosters a sense of community, yet its role in academic discourse remains contentious. Many scholars argue that Nigerian Pidgin bridges communication gaps and promotes inclusivity in multicultural academic environments (Eje, 2024). However, concerns persist regarding its appropriateness in formal academic writing and official communications. The dynamic interplay between Nigerian Pidgin and standard English reflects broader debates on language identity, cultural preservation, and globalization. As tertiary institutions navigate these complexities, the language’s dual role as both a cultural artifact and a practical communication tool becomes increasingly significant. This study seeks to appraise the status of Nigerian Pidgin as a lingua franca in higher education, examining its impact on academic interactions, learning outcomes, and institutional policies (Obioma, 2023).
Statement of the problem
The widespread use of Nigerian Pidgin in tertiary institutions presents a dilemma for academic communication. While it unifies students and staff from various linguistic backgrounds, its informal characteristics may conflict with established academic standards and formal writing conventions (Iwu, 2024). The lack of standardized usage guidelines often leads to ambiguity and miscommunication in academic settings, affecting both teaching and learning outcomes. Additionally, the tension between cultural expression and academic formality has resulted in debates over the legitimacy of Nigerian Pidgin in scholarly discourse. This study aims to elucidate the challenges and benefits associated with Nigerian Pidgin as a lingua franca, providing a critical assessment of its role in the academic environment (Nkem, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
Research questions:
Research hypotheses:
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it investigates the dual role of Nigerian Pidgin in higher education, highlighting both its cultural importance and the challenges it poses to formal academic communication. The research findings will inform educational policymakers and administrators about the potential for integrating indigenous languages into academic settings without compromising rigor. The study contributes to a broader understanding of language dynamics in multicultural learning environments, promoting inclusive educational practices (Okeke, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to assessing the role of Nigerian Pidgin as a lingua franca in tertiary institutions. It focuses solely on academic communication contexts within higher education and does not address its use in other social settings.
Definitions of terms:
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