Unity in Diversity: The Nigerian Youth, Nigerian Pidgin English and the Nigerian Language Policy

Abstract

This study attempted to find out the perceptions of the Nigerian youth of pidgin, a mode of expression largely believed to be
gaining ground in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. To accomplish this, the study investigated the influence of tribe, institution, age,
location, sex and social status on their perceptions of the use of Pidgin English as a unifying factor and its consideration as a recognized
official language in the Nigerian language policy. The study employed the survey research design. The population for the study
consisted of the youth in Southwestern Nigeria. The quota sampling technique was employed in selecting 100 youths from each of the
six geo-political zones of Nigeria making a total of 600 youths. A questionnaire was developed for the study by the researchers
comprising three sections which solicited information from the youths on the variables of interest. The questionnaire was validated and
a reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained. Six research hypotheses were formulated and tested while four research questions were
asked and answered. The data collected were analyzed using t-test and One-Way ANOVA statistics. The study concluded that Pidgin
English with its neutrality had the potentials to become a wider language of unity, largely at the informal level, than the major indigenous
languages; this would contribute positively to Nigeria’s search for unity in diversity.