Lexico-semantic variation in Nigerian English
First published: July 1989
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Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study describes some aspects of lexico-semantic variation in Nigerian English. The causes and types of variation are discussed within a sociolinguistic framework. Typical Nigerian English innovations are related to the local socio-cultural and linguistic context of Nigerian culture and society. Five major classes of lexico-semantic variation are identified: transfer, analogy, acronyms, semantic shift or extension, and coinage or neologisms. The paper also discusses the implications of such variation with reference to international intelligibility and communicative strategies.
