Phonological Variation and Intelligibility of Generative Phonology in Nigerian Variety of English Language
Keywords:
Phonological variation, intelligibility, generative phonology, Nigerian variety of English Language, global village, global interconnectivityAbstract
This paper assumes that the English language provides interconnectivity between communities and persons in the global village and enhances global interconnectivity through cooperation and appreciation of English as a Global Language (EGL). Linguistic globalization is the worldwide interdependence of people and countries on language, especially English, for communication and cooperation. The non-native speakers of the English language are more than their native speakers. This development has called for a reassessment of the status of English. The rate at which English spreads has brought a lot of consequences upon it. Its status has changed from the language of England. Phonological variants of English have described the pronunciation and speech of a speaker and indicate the speaker's community. Variation, therefore, has a cultural value. Native speakers cannot afford to be arrogant about the variety of English spoken by non-native speakers, as the variants do not significantly hinder intelligibility. The paper calls on English teachers to teach the norms of native speakers and expose the students to the accents and variants of other peoples' cultures and the universal standard of EGL. In this way, learners will appreciate their variants as part of the global intelligibility of English.
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