Question 7
ComprehensionJAMB 2009 Passage II: Nigerian pidgin
The standardization processes of Nigerian pidgin seems to have started during the post-colonial period. Naturally, Nigerian pidgin appears to be the first choice of most Nigerians in informal situations, especially when they are among those from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Thus, the selection process has tactically taken place. Among all the languages used in Nigeria today, English inclusive, Nigerian pidgin could be said to be the most widely spoken. Evidence abounds in motor parks, parties, congregations, and most social occasions. There is also ample evidence in the electronic and print media, especially in political propaganda, campaigns and product advertisement. Thus, in terms of spread and extensive use, Nigerian pidgin could rightly be called a national lingua franca.
The use of Nigerian pidgin in contemporary Nigeria could be described as most productive, extensive and complex. It appears that the standardization processes - selection, codification, elaboration of functions and acceptance - which started in the post-colonial era, are now being completed in contemporary Nigeria. The reason for this assumption is simple-apart from its complex use as a lingua franca, language of media advertisement, social interaction, unofficial military training and limited literary output, Nigerian pidgin has attained widespread acceptability in the media, political propaganda and campaigns as well as in the soap operas. It is also the language of radio and television jingles. Most electronic media now use appreciable percentage of their airtime to cast news and give reports in Nigerian pidgin. Even though its use in some newspaper columns has declined, especially with the demise of the 'Waka About' column in the Daily Times, it is, however, found extensively in some newspaper advertisements.
In places like Warri, Sapele and Port Harcourt, there were reports that teachers at the lower primary level taught their pupils in Nigerian pidgin. This unofficial adoption of Nigerian pidgin as the language of the lower primary education by those teachers is justifiable considering the provision in the National Policy on Education, which states that, in addition to English, the major languages in the child's environment could be used at the elementary level of education. Similarly, Nigerian pidgin has become a language of religious preaching, especially, Christianity. In most rural and even urban centres where congregations are not all very well-educated, pastors resort to the use of Nigerian pidgin.
The use of Nigerian pidgin as a literary language tends to have started in the sixties with the works of Achebe, Soyinka and others. But it is in the contemporary times that it has become most widespread. The number of poems, novels and plays written and published in Nigerian pidgin is growing even more rapidly. Many more literary writers now attempt to experiment with the language. Therefore, the evidences of codification and elaboration of functions and the partial or tactical acceptance of Nigerian pidgin are clearly visible.
The use of Nigerian pidgin in contemporary Nigeria could be described as most productive, extensive and complex. It appears that the standardization processes - selection, codification, elaboration of functions and acceptance - which started in the post-colonial era, are now being completed in contemporary Nigeria. The reason for this assumption is simple-apart from its complex use as a lingua franca, language of media advertisement, social interaction, unofficial military training and limited literary output, Nigerian pidgin has attained widespread acceptability in the media, political propaganda and campaigns as well as in the soap operas. It is also the language of radio and television jingles. Most electronic media now use appreciable percentage of their airtime to cast news and give reports in Nigerian pidgin. Even though its use in some newspaper columns has declined, especially with the demise of the 'Waka About' column in the Daily Times, it is, however, found extensively in some newspaper advertisements.
In places like Warri, Sapele and Port Harcourt, there were reports that teachers at the lower primary level taught their pupils in Nigerian pidgin. This unofficial adoption of Nigerian pidgin as the language of the lower primary education by those teachers is justifiable considering the provision in the National Policy on Education, which states that, in addition to English, the major languages in the child's environment could be used at the elementary level of education. Similarly, Nigerian pidgin has become a language of religious preaching, especially, Christianity. In most rural and even urban centres where congregations are not all very well-educated, pastors resort to the use of Nigerian pidgin.
The use of Nigerian pidgin as a literary language tends to have started in the sixties with the works of Achebe, Soyinka and others. But it is in the contemporary times that it has become most widespread. The number of poems, novels and plays written and published in Nigerian pidgin is growing even more rapidly. Many more literary writers now attempt to experiment with the language. Therefore, the evidences of codification and elaboration of functions and the partial or tactical acceptance of Nigerian pidgin are clearly visible.
From the passage, which of the following is the most important reason why Nigerian pidgin is popular?
- A.It is used in social occasions.
- B.It has no ethnic affiliation.
- C.It is extensively used along the coast.
- D.It is used by many creative writers.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B (It has no ethnic affiliation.)
Explanation
Pidgin is the first choice when Nigerians from different ethnic and language groups meet. It is popular because it belongs to no single ethnic group, so everyone can use it.