Attitudes of Nigerians towards BBC News Pidgin

Introduction

This paper aims to explore the attitudes of Nigerians towards BBC News Pidgin, shedding light on the complexities of language and identity in Nigeria. Although Pidgin is not classified as a standard language and is not an official language in Nigeria, it is still widely regarded as the most commonly spoken variant of the English language, surpassing other variations in terms of its popularity and usage. Pidgin is spoken by a vast majority of Nigerians from various ethnic groups and tribes, serving as a means of communication in both formal and informal settings. It plays a significant role in promoting unity among Nigerians despite the country's linguistic diversity. Pidgin is used as a language of trade, entertainment, and the media and is the only language through which a large proportion of Nigerians can be effectively reached and communicated. In addition to being a first language for many Nigerians, it also functions as a second language for others alongside their native languages. This functionality has led to the BBC News adopting Pidgin as a language of the media in Nigeria.

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Previous Studies

Broadcasting entails the dissemination of audio and visual content to a widely dispersed audience through diverse audio-visual mediums. In Africa, broadcasting holds significant importance due to its role as a primary source of information, education, and entertainment for most Africans, primarily through radio and, subsequently, television. Radio, employing a more extensive range of African languages than television, enjoys higher accessibility. Broadcasting has been tightly controlled in numerous African nations for technical and political reasons. This control over broadcasting holds clear political implications, enabling the medium to reach a significant portion of the country's citizens effectively. Historical context reveals that colonial administrations introduced broadcasting to Africa and employed it primarily for political propaganda. Following independence, post-colonial African governments continued controlling broadcasting, mainly driven by political motives. A noteworthy period from the 1960s to the 1980s saw broadcasting stations frequently becoming early targets of coup plotters during government change, articularly in West and Central Africa, where coups were a favoured method of political transition.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has recently integrated Pidgin into its news coverage across electronic and digital media. This inclusion of Pidgin by the BBC has significantly expanded its viewership in Nigeria, reaching a wider audience. It has also facilitated the dissemination of information to individuals at the grassroots level who may need formal education. Research indicates that incorporating Pidgin in news broadcasts and the entertainment industry has created a platform for enhancing human development, particularly in Nigeria. For example, Nigerian stand-up comedians have gained immense popularity by delivering their comedy acts in Pidgin, thus propelling themselves to fame and winning the hearts of many Nigerians. Nigeria's diverse linguistic landscape has challenged effective communication and information spread. English, as the official language, has helped bridge the language gap to some extent. However, the dynamic nature of English in Nigeria has given rise to different varieties, including near-native speakers, incipient bilingual, local colour, and Pidgin.

The near-native speaker variety of English is recognized as the country's official language, used in law, politics, commerce, and media. However, a significant portion of the Nigerian population lacks access to this accepted variety due to limited education. Consequently, there is a need for a language that can reach a wider audience without barriers. Research suggests that Pidgin is the only variety capable of fulfilling this communication task in Nigeria. Various Nigerian media outlets have made efforts to address this linguistic challenge in mass media. Radio Nigeria 3 (RN3), Radio Rivers and Wazobia FM have used Pidgin as a broadcast language. Notably, BBC World Service created an internet portal called BBC Pidgin 2016 to expand its services and reach a larger audience. All broadcasts on this digital platform are conducted in Pidgin, making BBC the first media house to provide such services in the digital realm. Using Pidgin as a media language has facilitated communication with all Nigerians, regardless of their native languages and backgrounds. It has also contributed to human development in Nigeria. Language usage in news reports is crucial, as it determines how listeners receive and interpret information. Incorrect language usage can lead to misinterpretation and provoke unintended reactions. Consequently, there is a need for research on the linguistic devices employed in news reports to ensure effective communication.

1.2 Statement of Problem

There is a noticeable discrepancy in the dissemination of information, particularly in media, in Nigeria, which is influenced by the significant gap in literacy and knowledge between the literate and illiterate populations. This discrepancy is reflected in the timing of information dissemination, its accuracy, and the specific segment of the population it reaches. There is a widely held perception that a majority of the Nigerians, particularly those residing in rural areas, are not adequately informed about matters of national interest. This lack of inclusion stems from their limited understanding of the content being broadcast or advertised on television and radio. The emergence of BBC News Pidgin as a digital news platform targeting Nigerians who speak and understand Pidgin has raised questions regarding the attitudes and perceptions of Nigerians towards this unique form of news delivery. While Pidgin has gained popularity as a widely spoken language in Nigeria, its integration into mainstream media platforms such as BBC News Pidgin presents an intriguing phenomenon that warrants investigation. Despite the growing presence of BBC News Pidgin and its potential impact on news consumption patterns in Nigeria, there is a paucity of empirical research exploring the attitudes and engagement of Nigerians towards this platform. Therefore, a significant gap exists in our understanding of how Nigerians perceive and interact with BBC News Pidgin, and whether it effectively fulfills their informational needs.

This study seeks to address the following research questions:

1) WhatdoNigerians thinkoftheuseofNigerianPidgininBBC Pidginnews broadcasts?

2) To what extent does the use of Pidgin in BBC News impact the perception of news delivery and its influence on Nigerian languages and culture?

3) What innovative linguistic features are noticeable in Nigerian Pidgin as used in the BBC Pidgin news broadcast?

By exploring these research questions, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the attitudes of Nigerians towards BBC News Pidgin and its impact on the Nigerian media landscape. The findings will not only contribute to the scholarly understanding of media consumption patterns in Nigeria but also inform media organizations, policymakers, and content creators about the potential of Pidgin as a powerful tool for information dissemination and its implications for cultural and linguistic diversity.

1.3 Significance of the Study

As it has already been mention, Pidgin is widely spoken and understood across Nigeria, thus the use of Pidgin in broadcasting can ensure more inclusive news delivery to audiences who may not fully understand English or other local languages.           Examining attitudes towards BBC News Pidgin can reveal how accessible and relatable news content is to a larger proportion of Nigerians, leading to potential improvements in communication strategies and media literacy programs. The study could indicate how well the use of Pidgin reflects Nigerian cultures and identities in global media. This can be a point of discussion on cultural representation and visibility in international media outlets. If Pidgin news is well-received, it may lead to a higher demand for Pidgin content, potentially contributing to the preservation and spread of this creole language. The outcomes of the study could influence other media houses to consider using Pidgin or other local languages in their broadcasts, leading to a shift in media practices. The use of Pidgin in BBC News may impact the perception of news delivery, Nigerian languages, and culture in the following ways. Also, a language widely understood across various ethnic and social groups in Nigeria, could enhance comprehension and interpretation of news content, making it more accessible and relatable. Broadcasting news in Pidgin can help build trust with audiences who feel represented by this language, thus potentially leading to increased viewership and influence.

Pidgin's use by a reputable international news organization like the BBC can validate it as a medium of communication. This could boost its status and promote its usage, thereby influencing linguistic dynamics in Nigeria. The use of it can reinforce Nigerian cultural identity. Broadcasting in Pidgin helps to include local nuances and context, making the news more culturally resonant. Depending on how Pidgin is used, it could either affirm the richness and variety of Nigerian cultures or lead to concerns about cultural homogenization, especially if Pidgin news marginalizes other Nigerian languages. This study could provide valuable insights on all these points, though the actual impact would depend on the attitudes of Nigerians towards BBC News Pidgin, which is what the research aims to uncover.

1.4.Scope and Limitations

According to Olatunji (2007), a language that can effectively function in a diverse nation like Nigeria should be easily comprehensible to both the educated individuals and the illiterate members of society. Olatunji argues that the only language that meets these criteria in Nigeria is NP. This viewpoint is supported by Akande and other scholars who believe that NP serves as an inter-ethnic code for Nigerians who lack a common language, thereby fostering a sense of identity and unity among them. Additionally, NP is considered a neutral language, free from the elitist associations of English and the ethnic associations of indigenous languages, as noted by Deuber (2005). The absence of these associations is believed to be a crucial factor in the continued survival, widespread usage, and popularity of NP among Nigerians.

In agreement with Ndimele (2008), when applying Fishman's (1972) classification of language use domains to NP, it is evident that NP is prominently used in the domains of family, friendship, and unofficial business. However, its usage is only partially present in the religious domain and significantly excluded in both the official and educational domains. Despite the official exclusion of NP as a medium of instruction in schools, Ndimele (2003) has observed that in Rivers and Bayelsa states, teachers resort to using NP for explanatory purposes, particularly in the early stages of primary education. This is because there is no other common language among the students in these regions. A study conducted by Igboanusi and Peter (2005) on the language usage within informal domains among various Nigerian groups, it was found that 24 percent of the minority language speakers in Southern Nigeria spoke NP at home, while 39 percent spoke standard English. In the broader survey, it is projected that Hausa, English, and NP will be the dominant languages in informal communication within Nigeria, where mother tongues are typically expected to be used (Igboanusi, 2005:142).

Additionally, NP has an ideological framework. According to Bamiro (2009), the nature, significance, and purpose of the language diversity reflect its ideological elements. It is ingrained in the social and functional power of NP in interpreting the Nigerian social structure27, which is claimed to be "polarised along the rich-poor axis" (Bamiro, 2009:277). Thus, NP serves as a linguistic space for "working out social meanings and enacting social differences between the dominant and dominated classes" (Bamiro, 2006: 316). The "authority and hegemonic territoriality" of the English language are viewed as being challenged by this "deviant" language, according to Bamiro (2006). The concept of hegemony has significantly contributed to the visibility of NP, particularly in the field of media studies. This is evident in the adoption of NP as a medium of broadcast for twenty-four-hour radio services, which further increased its prominence. Even within a regimented society like the Nigerian armed forces, NP has emerged as the lingua franca, as noted by Luckham (1971). It is described as the unofficial language of both the armed forces and the police, with widespread usage in these institutions, as stated by Bamgbose (1991) and Simpson and Oyetade (2008).The presence of diverse ethnic groups within army formations across Nigeria, which mirrors the multicultural and multilingual nature of the country, explains the prevalence of NP within these institutions. Additionally, Eze (1980) suggests that the movement of individuals from different ethnic backgrounds and the educational and social changes during the civil war and subsequent social restructuring contributed to the increased acceptance and usage of pidgin in the army. Police, army, and other service barracks are traditionally regarded as areas where NP is commonly spoken, as noted by Elugbe and Omamor (1991:140-141).

NP is widely used in various cultural forms such as songs, oral literature, radio programming, and sections of newspapers (Barbag-Stoll, 1983:39). The use of NP in newspapers can be traced back to the 1980s with publications like Lagos Life and 'Wakabout' (Elugbe&Omamor, 1991:55). Despite lacking official recognition, all levels of government in Nigeria employ NP for social and health mobilization programs, political campaigns, and public service announcements (Mann, 2000). In the music industry, NP has been used in songs since Nigeria's independence, and contemporary musicians often blend NP, English, and other Nigerian languages in their music. Notable stage plays have been performed in NP, and radio and TV dramas in NP have been popular since the 1950s, with significant growth in the 1980s and 1990s. The Nollywood film industry has also contributed to the prevalence of NP. A commercial television station called WAP TV in Lagos now dedicates a significant portion of its airtime to NP programs.