The Effect Of Pidgin English On The Academic Performance Ot Tertiary Students In Nigeria

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigerian Pidgin is a language just as English and there is enough room for both languages to co-exist and be mutually enriching. Despite this – and the fact that Nigerian Pidgin English appears to be the most popular means of communication among diverse groups and is easier to learn than any other language in the country today. The problems that could lead to poor performance of students as regards to the use of pidgin English could be that that was the language they grew up to learn maybe depending on the environment they found themselves and so could be difficult for them to differentiate between pidgin and standard English both in their spoken and written form. Another could be that the use of pidgin impeded proper communication in the sense that the students have limited language as a means of communication in the country. Finally, several researches carried out on the effect of Nigerian Pidgin English on Nigerian students, but not even a single research has been carried out on the effect of pidgin English on the academic performance of tertiary students in Nigeria (A case study of Adeyemi college of education Ondo).

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main aim of the study is to determine the effect of pidgin English on the academic performance of tertiary students in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the extent to which pidgin English affect the academic performance of tertiary students.

2. to determine the factors enhancing pidgin English amongst tertiary students.

3. to determine the relationship between pidgin English and standard English and its effects on the academic performance of tertiary students.

4.to proffer possible solution to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS               

1. What is the extent to which pidgin English affect the academic performance of tertiary students?

2. What is the factors enhancing Pidgin English amongst tertiary students?

3.What is the relationship between pidgin English and standard English and its effects on the academic performance of tertiary students?

4. What is possible solution to the problems.

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0:   Pidgin English does not have any significant effect on the academic performance of tertiary students.

H1: Pidgin English has a significant effect on the academic performance of tertiary students.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study on the effect of pidgin English on the academic performance of tertiary students, will be of immense benefit to the entire students of Adeyemi college of education, Ondo state in the sense that it will enable them discover that pidgin English has some limitations; for instance they cannot write their examination using pidgin English, they cannot also communicate their ideas in the midst of educated people. It will help them begin to use Standard English so as to be conversant in it and at the same time meet their academic attainment. This study will benefit the teachers in that it will move them to use simple and correct English in teaching instead of Pidgin English. The school management board will also benefit from this study since it will help them to understand the causes of failure in their written examinations. The authors of textbooks at all level of learning are not left out among the beneficiaries. This study will enable them to realize that using Pidgin English to express themselves will not in any way build up the students whom they are trying to build. 

1.7  SCOPE OF STUDY

The study on the effect of pidgin English on the academic performance of tertiary students in Nigeria is limited to Adeyemi college of education.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Effect a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

Pidgin English is an English-based pidgin and creole language spoken as a lingua franca across Nigeria.

Academic Performance performance is the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their short or long-term educational goals

Tertiary Students: These are set of people that acquire knowledge in the third stage, third level, and postsecondary education.

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