Abstract
This Paper focuses on lexical items in the Ikom Ogoja variety of Nigerian Pidgin (NP). This however does not mean that the regularized Nigerian Pidgin (NP) is not being used in the area. However, factors such as contact with the substrate languages in the area and borrowing have all influenced the emergence of some variations in NP usage. The Paper highlights these variations in the Ikom-Ogoja axis of Cross River State in areas of borrowing, reduplication, metaphors and metaphorical extensions and euphemisms. This has helped to show the dynamism of NP which is constantly growing and expanding to suit the needs of a pluralistic society such as Nigeria in general and Cross River State in particular.
Highlights
The one fact that is generally accepted about pidgin languages all over the world is that they arise from contact situations (Elugbe & Omama 1991, Todd 1984)
The Nigerian Pidgin (NP) as a contact language has expanded and stabilized due to certain factors which include the fact that it continued to be of relevance, it served as a common language as it became a ready means of communication in a multi ethnic society, and thirdly, Mafeni (1971:98) sees it as growing or stabilizing in a society that is undergoing urbanization
This paper discusses the phenomenon of NP variations as found in the Ikom-Ogoja axis of Cross River State
Summary
The one fact that is generally accepted about pidgin languages all over the world is that they arise from contact situations (Elugbe & Omama 1991, Todd 1984). Pidgin has developed from being a limited language of trade and business along the coastal regions of Nigeria to a fully-fledged language in its own right as a result of acquisition of new vocabulary items to meet the expanded communication challenges of its speakers. This new status has helped to tremendously improve the people’s attitude and solidarity towards NP
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
