An appraisal of historical language change in Nigerian English among urban professionals in Lagos
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Background of the Study
Nigerian English, as used by urban professionals in Lagos, has undergone significant historical language change influenced by social, economic, and cultural forces. Over the decades, urban professionals have contributed to the evolution of Nigerian English through the incorporation of local idioms, lexical borrowings, and syntactic innovations. These changes emerged from the interplay between indigenous linguistic practices and the legacy of British colonial education, which introduced standardized English norms. In Lagos—a bustling metropolitan center—rapid urbanization and globalization have further accelerated these shifts. Urban professionals often adopt hybrid forms of English that reflect both global influences and local identity markers. Such language change is evident in vocabulary innovations, shifts in pronunciation, and even in the adaptation of grammatical structures to suit local communication needs (Okafor, 2023; Eze, 2024). Furthermore, these changes have practical implications for business, media, and education in Lagos. As professionals navigate diverse linguistic contexts, their evolving language practices also inform language policy debates and pedagogical reforms. This study appraises historical language change in Nigerian English among Lagos’s urban professionals by analyzing archival documents, interviews, and media texts to trace the evolution of language features over time.
Statement of the Problem
Despite clear evidence of ongoing language change in Nigerian English, there remains a gap in understanding how urban professionals in Lagos have shaped these changes historically. Many professionals exhibit hybrid linguistic forms that blend colonial norms with local innovations, yet the driving factors and consequences of these changes are not systematically documented (Okafor, 2023). This lack of detailed historical analysis impedes efforts to standardize language practices and inform educational policy. Educators and policymakers are challenged by the need to reconcile traditional language models with emergent urban varieties. The study, therefore, aims to identify the mechanisms of language change, assess its impact on communication and identity, and propose strategies for addressing issues of standardization in professional settings (Eze, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
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To trace the historical evolution of Nigerian English among urban professionals.
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To identify the socio-cultural and economic factors driving language change.
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To propose recommendations for incorporating findings into language policy and education.
Research Questions:
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What are the key historical changes in Nigerian English as used by urban professionals?
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How do social and economic factors influence these changes?
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What strategies can support effective language standardization in professional contexts?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it elucidates the historical processes shaping Nigerian English among urban professionals, thereby informing language policy and educational practices. Its findings will help bridge the gap between traditional models and contemporary language use, ultimately enhancing communication effectiveness and cultural identity in Lagos (Okafor, 2023; Eze, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to urban professionals in Lagos; excludes other regions and informal speech communities.
Definitions of Terms:
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Historical Language Change: The evolution of language features over time.
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Nigerian English: The localized variety of English used in Nigeria.
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Urban Professionals: Individuals working in formal sectors within metropolitan areas.
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