An investigation of semantic priming effects in Nigerian Pidgin among college students
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Background of the Study
Semantic priming, a phenomenon where exposure to one word facilitates the recognition of a semantically related word, is a critical aspect of language processing. Nigerian Pidgin, with its fluid vocabulary and hybrid linguistic structure, provides an intriguing context to study semantic priming effects among college students. Recent research suggests that the degree of semantic priming can reveal underlying cognitive processes involved in lexical access and memory retrieval (Adebisi, 2023). Nigerian Pidgin’s unique structure, characterized by code-switching and regional variations, may influence the magnitude and speed of priming effects. This study investigates semantic priming by administering lexical decision tasks and measuring reaction times among college students who are native Nigerian Pidgin speakers. It explores how exposure to related linguistic stimuli enhances processing efficiency and whether these effects differ from those observed in standardized language settings. Understanding these processes will shed light on the cognitive mechanisms underlying language comprehension in a creole context and provide insights into the adaptability of semantic networks (Chukwu, 2024; Olusola, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized role of semantic priming in language processing, there is a paucity of research on its effects in Nigerian Pidgin among college students. Most studies have focused on standardized languages, leaving a gap in our understanding of how semantic networks function in the context of Nigerian Pidgin. The variability in vocabulary and frequent code-switching inherent in Nigerian Pidgin may alter priming effects, yet these factors remain underexplored. This knowledge gap limits our ability to develop comprehensive cognitive models of language processing in creole languages. A focused investigation into semantic priming in Nigerian Pidgin is necessary to clarify these effects and guide future research (Adebisi, 2023; Olusola, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To measure semantic priming effects in Nigerian Pidgin among college students.
2. To analyze the relationship between priming magnitude and lexical processing speed.
3. To compare priming effects in Nigerian Pidgin with those in standardized languages.
Research Questions:
1. What is the extent of semantic priming in Nigerian Pidgin among college students?
2. How does priming affect lexical decision reaction times?
3. How do semantic priming effects in Nigerian Pidgin differ from those in standardized languages?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it examines semantic priming in Nigerian Pidgin, providing insights into lexical access and cognitive processing in a creole language. The findings will inform theoretical models of language processing and have practical implications for language education and cognitive research in multilingual contexts (Adebisi, 2023; Olusola, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to investigating semantic priming effects in Nigerian Pidgin among college students using reaction time experiments, without extending to other age groups.
Definitions of Terms:
• Semantic Priming: The facilitation in recognizing a word due to prior exposure to a related word.
• Lexical Access: The process of retrieving word information from memory.
• Reaction Time: The interval between stimulus presentation and participant response.
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