Background of the Study
Nigerian Pidgin, a vibrant lingua franca, has evolved considerably since independence. Diachronic syntactic changes—alterations in sentence structure over time—reflect the language’s dynamic nature as it adapts to social, cultural, and technological influences. Across generations, Nigerian Pidgin has undergone syntactic simplification, reordering of phrases, and the incorporation of innovative discourse markers. These changes are influenced by factors such as increased urbanization, media exposure, and the interplay between formal and informal registers (Chinwe, 2023). Older generations tend to use more traditional syntactic structures, while younger speakers incorporate modern patterns influenced by digital communication and globalization. This evolution has implications for language identity and educational practices, as variations in syntax can affect comprehension and mutual intelligibility. This study evaluates diachronic syntactic changes in Nigerian Pidgin by comparing language samples across different age groups and contexts, thereby tracing the evolution of syntax and its impact on communication (Ifeoma, 2024; Balogun, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite its widespread use, Nigerian Pidgin lacks a standardized syntactic framework due to rapid diachronic changes. The evolving syntactic structures across generations create inconsistencies in language usage and comprehension, complicating formal education and media communication (Chinwe, 2023). These inconsistencies hinder efforts to formalize Nigerian Pidgin and challenge educators in developing effective language teaching methods. This study aims to address these issues by documenting syntactic changes and exploring their implications for language standardization and education (Ifeoma, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To document syntactic changes in Nigerian Pidgin over time.
To assess the impact of these changes on communication and education.
To recommend strategies for standardizing syntax in Nigerian Pidgin.
Research Questions:
What are the key syntactic changes in Nigerian Pidgin across generations?
How do these changes affect communication?
What measures can support syntactic standardization?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it offers a diachronic perspective on syntactic evolution in Nigerian Pidgin, informing educational strategies and language policy for a more standardized language form. The insights will enhance communication effectiveness and support the development of teaching materials (Chinwe, 2023; Balogun, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to syntactic analysis in Nigerian Pidgin; excludes lexical and phonological aspects.
Definitions of Terms:
Diachronic: Relating to the evolution of language over time.
Syntactic Changes: Alterations in sentence structure.
Nigerian Pidgin: An English-based creole used across Nigeria.
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