An evaluation of stress assignment patterns in Nigerian Pidgin among market traders in Lagos
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Background of the study
Stress assignment, a fundamental aspect of phonology, plays a vital role in shaping the intelligibility and identity of languages. In Nigerian Pidgin, particularly among market traders in Lagos, stress patterns are dynamic and reflect both indigenous linguistic features and influences from contact with other languages. This study investigates how market traders in Lagos assign stress in Nigerian Pidgin, examining variations that emerge in spontaneous, transactional speech. Market environments, characterized by rapid interactions and high communicative demands, create conditions where stress assignment adapts to ensure clarity and effectiveness (Okoro, 2023). The linguistic practices of traders, who often code-switch and innovate in their speech, provide a rich context for analyzing how stress functions as a marker of both identity and meaning (Chima, 2024). Recent studies suggest that the informal setting of markets promotes distinctive phonological adaptations that differ from standardized norms, thereby reflecting the dynamic nature of Nigerian Pidgin (Eze, 2025). By employing a combination of acoustic analysis and ethnographic observation, this study seeks to document the stress patterns used by market traders and to explore the sociolinguistic factors that influence these patterns.
Statement of the problem
There is a significant gap in the literature concerning stress assignment in Nigerian Pidgin as used by market traders in Lagos. While it is evident that traders employ unique stress patterns in fast-paced commercial exchanges, the systematic study of these patterns remains limited (Okoro, 2023). The dynamic and fluid nature of market speech makes it challenging to document consistent phonological features, leading to uncertainties about the role of stress in conveying meaning and identity (Chima, 2024). This lack of empirical evidence hinders our understanding of how informal language practices influence phonological rules. Addressing this gap is critical to inform both theoretical phonology and practical applications in language teaching and policy formulation (Eze, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate stress assignment patterns in Nigerian Pidgin among market traders.
To analyze the sociolinguistic factors influencing stress patterns in market speech.
To assess the implications of these stress patterns for communication efficiency and identity.
Research questions:
What stress assignment patterns are observable among market traders in Lagos?
How do market conditions influence stress patterns in Nigerian Pidgin?
What role does stress play in conveying meaning and identity in transactional speech?
Research Hypotheses:
Market traders in Lagos exhibit distinctive stress patterns in Nigerian Pidgin.
Environmental factors in market settings significantly influence stress assignment.
Stress patterns in market speech are closely tied to identity markers and communication efficiency.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it elucidates the unique stress assignment patterns in Nigerian Pidgin among market traders, contributing to a broader understanding of informal phonological variation. The findings will be beneficial to linguists, educators, and cultural researchers by informing language policy and teaching practices in urban contexts (Okoro, 2023; Eze, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to evaluating stress assignment patterns in Nigerian Pidgin among market traders in Lagos. It focuses on the phonological features in the market environment and does not extend to other social or formal contexts.
Definitions of terms:
Stress Assignment: The process by which emphasis is placed on certain syllables in speech.
Nigerian Pidgin: A creole language widely spoken in Nigeria, characterized by a blend of linguistic influences.
Market Traders: Individuals engaged in commerce in informal trading environments, particularly in urban markets.
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