Pages: (222-251 )
Abstract
The inability to situate the Nigerian Pidgin English as a conglomeration of substrates and superstrates languages of a critical importance in a multilingual and multiethnic nation such as Nigeria has proven to undermine the linguistic development of the country as Nigeria still struggles with the indigenous national language identity. Using SPEAKING acronym under Dell Hymes Ethnography of communication model as theoretical frame work, the study carried out descriptive analysis of 20 advertisements purposively selected from Wazobia (95.1) FM. Findings showed that Nigerian Pidgin English is a conglomerate of a superstrate languages which are English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, and substrate languages which are the major Nigerian native languages – Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Also, the Nigerian Pidgin English has risen to occupy the role of a bridge language in Nigeria. Finally, it is the most widely spoken language of inter and intra- ethnic communication among Nigerians. The paper concluded that Nigerian Pidgin English is a viable tool in the hands of advertisers as the language penetrates the vast coverage of Nigerian audience and recommends that Nigerian Pidgin English should be standardized and given official status that can facilitate communication.
Keywords: Substrates, Superstrates, Nigerian Pidgin English, Advertisements,,