The classification of Nigerian English into ‘standard’ and ‘non-standard’ varieties based on the level or quality of education of its users has, like many other issues in Nigerian English, and the more general issues of ‘standards’ in the English language, defied any generally accepted stance amongst scholars and practitioners in the Nigerian English project. It has not enjoyed any explanatory ease and adequacy either by any of the scholars. Premised on the above, therefore, this paper examined the basis for such taxonomy, in order to show how realistic and helpful or otherwise, the differentiation is, and how faithful or otherwise, the users in each variety are to their respective categories. Data were drawn from the works of various NE school are who have made attempts at classification of Nigerian English. The different categorizations were reviewed, and features of each variety interrogated based on Howard Gile’s communication accommodation theory (CAT). The theory emphasizes, among other things, the need for people to minimize the social difference between them and others with whom they interact. This can be achieved by shifting their own speech characteristics or adapting to the other person’s communication behaviours while interacting. It was discovered, among other things, that baring any intentional efforts or special study (Kartzner2002, p.105), users of the ‘educated’, ‘sophisticated’ or ‘standard’ variety can perfectly understand the speech of those classified under the ‘non-standard’ variety. The paper thus concludes that though, in principle, it may be worthwhile to make such distinctions; in reality, however, the practice seems unnatural and unrealistic. It constitutes a dilemma for most NE users and a distraction from the overall quest for the authentication of the legitimacy of Nigerian English. Moreover, it works against the quest for the dislodgement of the native speakers’ traditional prerogative in determining what is intelligible and/or acceptable and what is not in the speech of non-native users in non-native environment.
Written By:
David Peter Nsungo
Department of English
University of Uyo
Email: peterdavidnsungo@gmail.com
GSM: 08068865891
