ENGLISH LANGUAGE, LEXICAL DEVIATION AND THE EMERGENCE OF ‘NIGERIAN ENGLISH’

This paper set out to account for the complexity of some aspects of lexical deviation in English as a second language (ESL) in respect of the Nigerian situation with the sole aim of identifying some complex lexemes that have been localized, and to be able to answer the questions on why and how are they so complex. Using the weak version of the contrastive analysis hypothesis (CAH) popularized by Wardhaugh, the paper comparatively analysed and attempted an explanation on how and why some linguistic properties of ESL in Nigeria have had their meanings extended or changed to suit our local cultures while others were newly introduced into the language. The data obtained from print and non-print materials, such as literary and other academic texts (cited in the work), newspapers, government documents, Nigerian English movies, etc. were analysed. The results showed that lexical items as well as phrases like: indigene, indigenalised, nativity, agbada, fufu, gari/eba, amala, egusi (soup), old-man, old-lady, next tomorrow, cousin brother, cousin sister, senior brother, senior sister, junior brother, junior sister, co-wife, first/second/third/fourth wife, and so on, have either been localized semantically or have been introduced into the English lexicon. The paper therefore concluded that the English language in Nigeria has assumed a uniquely Nigerian feature, which sets it aside from its British base, and hence be identified as the ‘Nigerian English’ instead of being referred to as a variety of the British-based English. It was recommended, however, that even at the level of the so-called ‘Nigerian English’ (if recognized), there should be set standards to be adhered to as elaborated in the paper. This also tells the level of contribution to knowledge this paper is hoped to offer.