LANGUAGE ATTITUDES TOWARDS NIGERIAN PIDGIN

This study investigated language attitudes towards Nigerian Pidgin, a widely spoken lingua franca in Nigeria. Despite its pervasive use in informal communication, media, and popular culture, Nigerian Pidgin often faces negative perceptions as a non-standard or “inferior” form of English. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with undergraduate students and working adults across urban and semi-urban regions. Findings reveal a complex attitude spectrum: while many respondents appreciate Nigerian Pidgin for its expressiveness, cultural identity, and accessibility, others associate it with low social status and limited educational or professional competence. The study highlights the need for greater recognition of Nigerian Pidgin as a legitimate linguistic resource in education, media, and governance. Implications for language policy and sociolinguistic research are discussed.