(Socio)linguistic indices of the codification of Nigerian English

Abstract

Although many studies in world Englishes research have examined the sociocultural and political factors that shape the development of varieties of English in non‐native contexts, there has been limited work on the range of codificatory instruments that engender the standardisation of these ‘new’ Englishes, especially in specific reference to Nigerian English (NE). Examining the extent of the codification of new Englishes is particularly critical in terms of their institutionalisation and eventual acceptance, both locally and internationally. In light of this, this article draws evidence from existing research and institutional efforts and policies to show where NE lies in the process of codification. The analysis indicates that, while there is an avalanche of evidence of (socio)linguistic indices showing that NE is being radically codified, the range of codificatory instruments (e.g., dictionaries, style manuals, grammars, pedagogies, language policies) remain limited.

Directions in Language and Identity Research

“…In fact, implicit in the emergence of sociolinguistics as a sub-discipline of linguistics is the concern for identity, and according to Edwards (1985, p. 3), "sociolinguistics … is essentially about identity, its formation, presentation and maintenance‖ (italics not mine). A great deal of research evidence has demonstrated that there is not just a mere connection between language and identity, but that, more than anything, the primary role of language is identity formation (Ugwuanyi, 2021). Joseph (2004) has strongly argued that identity overlays even the two traditional functions of language-representation and communication.…”

“…Though the same English, different cultures of the world have different Englishes. Each English is unique in its own right and thus can signal, or be used to create, a given ethnic or national identity (Ugwuanyi, 2019;2020a;2021).…”

“…Addressing the relationship between language, identity and ownership of English, Norton (1997) attends to some of the questions raised by the participants in Halstead's (ibid) study cited above, arguing that English belongs to the people who speak it, whether or not they L1 speakers. In a large-scale study, Ugwuanyi (2021) investigated notions of linguistic ownership in a non-native speaking context and found that speakers claimed ownership of (their own variety of) English based on use, perceived proficiency and affiliation to the language.…”

“…As these trends continue to evolve, identity continues to be complexified, given this increasing "rise of new forms of assertion of identity" (Okolie, 2003, p. 1). More than ever, identity will continue to matter to us in contemporary times chiefly because of the new patterns of living occasioned by globalisation, migration, and other new ways of being or new patterns of 'identitying' (Ugwuanyi, 2021). These facts suggest that identity matters to humanity not only as a construct or theory but as a fact of life (Gilroy, 1997).…”