Nigerian Mutilations of Standard English Expressions by Solomon Osuokam Ogbeh

 

Introduction

Language is a dynamic tool that evolves with the culture and identity of its speakers. In Nigeria, English is widely spoken and serves as the official language. However, the influence of indigenous languages and the unique socio-cultural context has led to the emergence of Nigerian English, a variant that includes expressions and usages distinct from Standard British English. This lesson will explore common "mutilations" or deviations in Nigerian English, helping students understand the importance of using Standard English, particularly in formal settings, while appreciating the rich linguistic diversity of their environment.

Common Deviations in Nigerian English

1.     Literal Translations from Indigenous Languages

• Many Nigerian languages have a different syntactic structure from English, leading to literal translations that do not align with Standard English syntax.
• Example: "I am coming" used to mean "I will be right back" rather than its standard meaning of arriving somewhere.
• Correct Form: "I will be right back."

2.     Redundancy and Pleonasm

• Redundancy occurs when unnecessary words are added, often to provide emphasis.
• Example: "Repeat it again" where "repeat" already implies "again."
• Correct Form: "Repeat it."

3.     Incorrect Prepositions

• Prepositions in Nigerian English often differ from their usage in Standard English.
• Example: "Discuss about" instead of the correct "discuss."
• Correct Form: "Discuss."

4.     Misuse of Tenses

• Incorrect tense usage is common, influenced by the structure of local languages.
• Example: "He has went" instead of "He has gone."
• Correct Form: "He has gone."

5.     Direct Translations of Idioms and Proverbs

• Idiomatic expressions often lose their meaning when directly translated.
• Example: "You are eating with your ten fingers" to mean "You are enjoying abundance."
• Correct Form: Use the appropriate English idiom, like "You are living in abundance."

Examples of Nigerian English Expressions

1. "I want to ease myself."
• Used to mean "I need to use the restroom."
• Correct Form: "I need to use the restroom."
2. "Off the light."
• Commonly used instead of "Turn off the light."
• Correct Form: "Turn off the light."
3. "I am coming."
• Often used to mean "I will be back soon."
• Correct Form: "I will be back soon."
4. "Do me a favour and off the fan."
• Combining "do me a favour" with "off the fan" instead of "turn off the fan."
• Correct Form: "Please turn off the fan."
5. "Go and bring it."
• Used instead of "Go and get it" or "Fetch it."
• Correct Form: "Go and get it."
6. "Borrow me your pen."
• Instead of "Lend me your pen."
• Correct Form: "Lend me your pen."
7. "He is my junior brother."
• Redundant use of "junior" and "brother."
• Correct Form: "He is my younger brother."
8. "I am going to write WAEC next year."
• Using "write" instead of "take" or "sit for."
• Correct Form: "I am going to take WAEC next year."
9. "My head is full."
• To express being overwhelmed or stressed.
• Correct Form: "I am overwhelmed."
10. "I have a running stomach."
• Direct translation from local languages to mean "I have diarrhoea."
• Correct Form: "I have diarrhoea."
11. "He is a driver."
• Commonly used without specifying the type of vehicle or the context.
• Correct Form: "He is a taxi driver" or "He is a bus driver."
12. "Please, can you dash me?"
• "Dash" is used to mean "give me for free."
• Correct Form: "Please, can you give it to me for free?"
13. "I am hearing you."
• Used to mean "I can hear you."
• Correct Form: "I can hear you."
14. "He fall my hand."
• To express disappointment.
• Correct Form: "He disappointed me."
15. "He is a small boy."
• Used to mean "He is young" or "He is inexperienced."
• Correct Form: "He is young" or "He is inexperienced."
16. "How far?"
• Common greeting used instead of "How are you?" or "What's up?"
• Correct Form: "How are you?" or "What's up?"
17. "I will soon come."
• Used to mean "I will be back soon."
• Correct Form: "I will be back soon."
18. "He does not have respect."
• Used to mean "He is disrespectful."
• Correct Form: "He is disrespectful."
19. "I will flash you."
• Used to mean "I will call you and hang up so you call me back."
• Correct Form: "I will give you a missed call."
20. "The man is long-throat."
• Used to mean "The man is greedy."
• Correct Form: "The man is greedy."
21. "I am going to collect my friend."
• Used to mean "I am going to pick up my friend."
• Correct Form: "I am going to pick up my friend."
22. "He is an expert in his field."
• Often used without proper context.
• Correct Form: "He is an expert in his field of study."
23. "You people should come."
• Used to mean "All of you should come."
• Correct Form: "All of you should come."

Importance of Standard English

Understanding and using Standard English is crucial for several reasons:

• Global Communication: It facilitates clear and effective communication with English speakers worldwide.
• Academic and Professional Success: Mastery of Standard English is often required for academic achievement and career advancement.
• Avoiding Misunderstandings: Using correct expressions prevents confusion and misinterpretation.

Tips for Correct Usage

1.     Read Extensively:

• Reading books, newspapers, and other materials in Standard English helps reinforce correct usage.

2.     Practice Speaking:

• Engage in conversations with peers and teachers in Standard English.

3.     Seek Feedback:

• Ask teachers and proficient speakers to correct your mistakes.

4.     Use Dictionaries and Grammar Guides:

• Regularly consult these resources to clarify doubts.

5.     Pay Attention to Context:

• Understand the context in which certain expressions are used and avoid literal translations.

Exercises

1.     In the following sentences, identify and correct the Nigerian English expressions.

2.     Translate common Nigerian English phrases into Standard English.

3.     In pairs, practice dialogues using Standard English.

While it is important to cherish and celebrate Nigerian English as part of the country's linguistic heritage, students must also master Standard English for formal and international contexts. By recognising and correcting common deviations, students can enhance their communication skills, contributing to their overall academic and professional development.