(Socio)linguistic indices of the codification of Nigerian English

Abstract

Although many studies in world Englishes research have examined the sociocultural and political factors that shape the development of varieties of English in non-native contexts, there has been limited work on the range of codificatory instruments that engender the standardisation of these ‘new’ Englishes, especially in specific reference to Nigerian English (NE). Examining the extent of the codification of new Englishes is particularly critical in terms of their institutionalisation and eventual acceptance, both locally and internationally. In light of this, this article draws evidence from existing research and institutional efforts and policies to show where NE lies in the process of codification. The analysis indicates that, while there is an avalanche of evidence of (socio)linguistic indices showing that NE is being radically codified, the range of codificatory instruments (e.g., dictionaries, style manuals, grammars, pedagogies, language policies) remain limited.