An Investigation of Syntactic Patterns in Nigerian Academic Essays: A Comparative Analysis of Undergraduate Writings
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Background of the Study
Academic writing in Nigeria is a complex interplay of formal conventions and indigenous linguistic influences. Undergraduate essays, in particular, reflect diverse syntactic patterns influenced by students’ native language structures and varying levels of exposure to academic discourse (Okafor, 2023). This study investigates the syntactic constructions employed in Nigerian academic essays, exploring the common sentence structures, clause arrangements, and grammatical deviations that characterize undergraduate writing. Many students, drawing on their first-language syntactic patterns, produce essays that diverge from standardized academic English norms (Chukwu, 2024). By comparing essays across different disciplines and institutions, the study aims to identify recurring syntactic patterns and assess how these patterns affect clarity and coherence in academic communication. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze a corpus of essays, thereby uncovering trends in syntactic usage and the extent to which native language interference may influence academic writing (Ibrahim, 2025). The findings are expected to inform curriculum development and instructional strategies designed to improve writing proficiency in Nigerian higher education.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical importance of effective academic writing, there is a paucity of research on the specific syntactic patterns used in Nigerian undergraduate essays. Current studies generally address overall language proficiency without a focused analysis on the syntactic constructions that underlie essay writing (Eze, 2023). This gap hinders educators from identifying the linguistic challenges that students face, particularly those arising from native language influences. The absence of detailed syntactic analysis prevents the development of targeted interventions to enhance writing quality and coherence (Okeke, 2024). Therefore, this study aims to systematically examine the syntactic features of undergraduate essays, providing insights that can help bridge the gap between native linguistic tendencies and academic writing conventions (Umeh, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
- To identify prevalent syntactic patterns in Nigerian undergraduate essays.
- To compare syntactic structures across different academic disciplines.
- To provide recommendations for improving syntactic proficiency in academic writing.
Research Questions
- What are the common syntactic patterns found in Nigerian undergraduate essays?
- How do native language influences affect academic writing syntax?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve syntactic quality in academic essays?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a detailed analysis of the syntactic dimensions of Nigerian academic writing, offering valuable insights for educators and curriculum developers. By identifying recurring syntactic patterns and challenges, the research contributes to improving academic writing instruction and student performance. The findings will inform policies and teaching strategies aimed at enhancing language proficiency in higher education (Okafor, 2023; Ibrahim, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the syntactic analysis of undergraduate academic essays in Nigerian universities.
Definitions of Terms
- Syntactic Patterns: The arrangements of words and phrases that form grammatically correct sentences.
- Academic Essays: Structured written compositions produced by students in higher education.
- Native Language Influence: The impact of a speaker’s first language on their use of a second language.
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