Pidgin: The Unofficial National Language

Abstract

Pidgin is a language that the majority of Nigerians use in their daily communication in every facet of life. Despite its wide usage and acceptability among the populace, pidgin has not gained the status of a National language. The wide usage has sometimes affected the written forms of English as a second language where such writings have been tagged as sub-standard due to the different kinds of errors in their writings. Pidgin as the language spoken and understood by both literates and illiterates requires no formal education to use and it also serves as a first language in some situations. This work enumerates not just the characteristics and uses of pidgin in Nigeria, but also focuses on those assets that qualify Pidgin as a national language. Thereby calling the attention of the government, National Assembly, National Institute of Nigerian Languages and other relevant agencies to uncover the cloak of relegation which Pidgin has worn for a long period and elevate the status of this language that has continued to gain popularity despite its subjugation to a National Language. So this study is a call geared towards a paradigm shift from relegation to elevation and implementation of the use of Pidgin as a National language.