Abstract
This paper investigates contemporary trends in the English language usage in the Nigerian situation, with specific reference to Aba, a popular commercial metropolitan city with international markets in the South East of Nigeria. The study examines the influence of the English language on patterns of language choice, attitudes and language use in the scoiety and also highlights how some sociolinguistics and socio-cultural variables in turn determine the development of the English language in the society.The study adopts a survey approach. Instruments for data collection include questionnaire, interview and observation. Data were analysed using sociolinguistics tools; Variationist linguistics serves to account for the influence of social variables and structures such as the commercial group on the innovations, development and subtle change in English in the multilingual society. Information from the study highlights that English in the Nigerian situation yields to further nativisation as it continues to serve the diverse ends of different categories of users. Hence, policies relating to language and national development need consider the sociocultural context of English usage in Nigeria.
Highlights
Language as a dynamic tool in communication and social interaction responds to the social ambivalence in the society in which it is used
The study examines the influence of the English language on patterns of language choice, attitudes and language use in the scoiety and highlights how some sociolinguistics and socio-cultural variables in turn determine the development of the English language in the society.The study adopts a survey approach
Policies relating to language and national development need consider the sociocultural context of English usage in Nigeria
Summary
Language as a dynamic tool in communication and social interaction responds to the social ambivalence in the society in which it is used. English as a world language constantly undergoes changes (especially as evinced in the rapid turnover of vocabulary), even as it gains more geographical spread. Inter alia, these changes reflect the social and cultural contexts of these societies; the varieties of English and their norms for use emerge to meet the needs of the local community (Mckay & Hornberger, 1996: 4). For there to be any meaning discourse on language development and for English language studies to be relevant in the society, there is need for update information on the emerging patterns in usage Such information could be utilized to modify existing theories in the language. This study on the sociology of English in a Nigerias multilingual society is bound to reveal the interface between English and the indigenous languages, highlight how English has been stretched to accommodate the peculiar communication needs of the users in the society and reveal the current state of English in the Nigerian situation
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