Semantic Extension as a Factor in the Growth and Acceptability of Nigerian English
Keywords:
English expressions, Nigerian English, Nigerian Language, Semantic ExtensionAbstract
This study investigates the nature of meaning as a factor in the evolution of the variety of English in Nigeria, which has been developing in the Nigerian situation of English as a second language. The purpose was to show how the coding of meaning leads to the creation of certain expressions that are usually identified in the English expressions of Nigerian English speakers/writers. Data were collected from oral and written sources, particularly from the speeches of Nigerian English, bilinguals from all walks of life, ranging from students at secondary, college and university levels, graduates and post - graduate students and people who belong to different occupational categories. Data were also collected from written essays of students as well as published texts with samples of Nigerian English expressions. Findings show that the English expressions that can be identified as reflecting the Nigerian variety of English occur mainly as a result of interference of the speakers or writers first language. The meaning being communicated is influenced by the situations of the local environment, including socio-physical features, which usually strikes speaker/writer initially in his or her first language. In the process, the first language tends to transfer some Nigerian Language expressions into target language, English.
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