AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF NIGERIA PIDGIN ON WRITTEN ENGLISH AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Background of the study: In Nigeria, English is considered a second language by most people. Because Nigerians already had their first language, also known as their Mother Tongue (L1), before the introduction of the alien language known as "English" into the nation, it is considered to be a second language. In this particular case, a language that is not native to the context (English) left that environment and came into contact with another language or languages (Nigerian indigenous languages). It is a well-known fact that the language a people use contains ingrained versions of their traditions, morals, and beliefs. Because of this, it is often acknowledged that "language is culture," and that the two cannot be divorced from one another. When it comes to schooling, language is a very significant component to consider. It is a fundamental component of the communication process. It provides extremely solid foundations for creative thinking, and there would be no significant growth in society or culture if it were absent. Brown (2022). The preceding reference investigates the capabilities of language as a medium for communication and the generation of original ideas. Via the act of thinking, one may express their thoughts through the use of language, which can then be articulated verbally or written down. Therefore, a nation's language of broader communication is very important to the development and advancement of that nation, even in the academic sphere. Nigeria is a multicultural and multiethnic nation that is home to around four hundred and ten (410), distinct languages. Derrian (2020). With the advent of the English language in 1842, however, these numerous languages have influenced, or we could say interfered with, the manner in which Nigerians use language on the lexical, grammatical, and phonological levels of communication. This has been the case since the introduction of the English language. Even though English is the country's official language, a distinct variety of the language has developed in order to meet Nigeria's socio-linguistic and communication requirements (which is to an extent a deviation from standard British English). Because of this, a localisation or domestication process has begun. Since our native tongues have had an impact on English, the manner we write will likewise reflect this linguistic transformation.