The Influence of Izon on the Syntax and Lexis of the English of Izon- English Bilinguals
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Date
2010
Authors
Okunrinmeta, U
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Abstract
This study is an investigation of the influence of the Izon language and culture on the English of Izon-English bilinguals and the extent to which the variations manifested in their English usage can be induced by such variables as the bilingual’s linguistic, cultural and educational background. One hundred (100) Izon-English bilinguals, who have lived within the Izon culture for at least two years, were randomly selected from the Arogbo-Izon community of Ondo State for the study. After analyzing the qualitative and quantitative data collected from the sampled subjects mainly through observation and structured interview, it is found out that the Izon language and culture have tremendous influence on the syntax and lexico-semantics of the English of Izon-English bilinguals. In the area of syntax, this influence is manifested in the English of Izon-English bilinguals in terms of their use of agreement, tense, aspect, the indefinite article, the relative pronoun, prepositions, stative verbs and non-count nouns as well as in their modification system and their preference for statements uttered with the rising tune to tag-questions, among others. In terms of lexico-semantics, this fascinating influence is noticed in the way such words and expressions as “uncle”, “village”, “madam”, “to lick an orange”, “to share a husband”, “how do you do?”, “evil month”, “Ijawness”, “Agadagbaship tussle”, “duburuku rite of passage”, “to cross to the other side of the river”, “the head of the family-head is a refuse dump” and many others have been domesticated to reflect the Izon socio-cultural experience. It is also found out that English usage in the Izon setting is closely linked to the Izon culture and, thus, the Izon culture determines or influences appropriate English usage within the Izon socio-cultural context. Thus, the variations manifested in the English of Izon-English bilinguals, especially in the area of lexico-semantics, are appropriate within the Izon socio-cultural context because they are in line with the Izon socio-cultural experience. Similarly, it is found out that the educational level of the user affects, either negatively or positively, the degree of the influence that Izon has on the English of Izon-English bilinguals. There is a negative effect, especially in the area of syntax, where an increase in the educational level of the user brings about a decrease in the degree of this influence. On the other hand, there is a positive effect in the area of lexis since an increase in the educational level of the user brings about a corresponding increase in the degree of the linguistic influence manifested in his/her English usage. Finally, it is found out that a distinction can be made between temporary influences and permanent influences. Those linguistic influences whose manifestation in the English of Izon-English bilinguals decreases or totally disappears as the bilingual’s level of education and exposure to good English usage increase are temporary influences (or errors). On the other hand, those influences whose manifestation, because of their appropriateness to the Izon socio-cultural context, is seen even in the English of the most educated Izon-English bilingual in spite of his/her high level of education and exposure are permanent influences (or variants). This study therefore provides rich syntactic and lexico-semantic data to prove the legitimacy and appropriateness of Nigerian English and to support the existence of sub-varieties in Nigerian English. The study makes a significant contribution to the Nigerian component of the International Corpus of English (ICE) Project.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos
Keywords
Izon Language , Bilinguals , English Usage , Languages , Research Subject Categories::HUMANITIES and RELIGION::Languages and linguistics
Citation
Okunrinmeta, U (2010). The Influence of Izon on the Syntax and Lexis of the English of Izon- English Bilinguals. A Thesis Submitted to University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies Phd Thesis and Dissertation, 282pp