Background of the Study
Bilingual communication in Nigeria, particularly involving Nigerian English and Pidgin, offers a unique lens through which to examine discourse processing. In everyday interactions, speakers fluidly navigate between Nigerian English and Pidgin, employing distinct discourse processing strategies to maintain coherence and clarity. This bilingual practice is characterized by frequent code-switching, lexical borrowing, and syntactic adjustments that reflect the speakers’ dual linguistic competence (Adebisi, 2023). Discourse processing in this context involves not only understanding the literal meaning of the utterances but also deciphering culturally embedded nuances and contextual cues. The cognitive and social mechanisms that underpin bilingual discourse processing are central to effective communication in Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape (Ibrahim, 2024). Research has shown that the interplay between Nigerian English and Pidgin facilitates a rich communicative environment, where language functions as both a medium of information and a marker of identity. This study appraises the discourse processing strategies in bilingual communications, aiming to elucidate how speakers negotiate meaning and ensure mutual understanding across language boundaries (Adebisi, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the prevalence of bilingual communication in Nigeria, there is limited empirical research on the specific mechanisms of discourse processing in interactions involving Nigerian English and Pidgin. The complexity arising from frequent code-switching and linguistic blending poses challenges for understanding how meaning is constructed and interpreted by speakers (Olaoye, 2024). This gap in knowledge impedes the development of effective communication strategies that account for the dynamic nature of bilingual discourse. The study seeks to address these issues by evaluating the discourse processing techniques used by bilingual speakers and assessing their impact on clarity and understanding.
Objectives of the Study
To identify discourse processing strategies in bilingual Nigerian English and Pidgin interactions.
To analyze the effects of code-switching on meaning construction.
To evaluate the impact of bilingual discourse processing on communication effectiveness.
Research Questions
What discourse processing strategies are employed in bilingual communications?
How does code-switching influence the interpretation of messages?
What are the implications of these strategies for effective communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the cognitive and social dimensions of bilingual discourse processing in Nigerian English and Pidgin communications. The findings will enhance understanding of bilingual language use and inform educational, communicative, and policy-making initiatives aimed at improving interaction in multilingual settings (Adebisi, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the appraisal of discourse processing in bilingual communications involving Nigerian English and Pidgin and does not cover other language pairs.
Definitions of Terms
Discourse Processing: The cognitive mechanisms involved in constructing and interpreting meaning in communication.
Bilingual Communication: The use of two languages within a single interaction.
Code-Switching: The practice of alternating between two or more languages during communication.
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