Effective communication is crucial for fostering peaceful coexistence and societal development. However, the choice of language plays a pivotal role in determining communication effectiveness, especially in business transactions where both the sender and receiver must understand each other. This study focused on investigating the predominant language used by buyers and sellers at Igbudu market in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, drawing insights from Noam Chomsky’s language acquisition theory. Data were collected from various sources, including primary, secondary, and library materials, utilizing questionnaires and question guides as data collection instruments. A sample of 92 buyers and sellers at the market was randomly selected using stratification sampling techniques. The research aimed to identify the most commonly used language for transactions in the market, understand the reasons behind this language choice and determine if respondents believed this chosen language should become the lingua franca for open markets in Nigeria. The findings indicated that a majority of buyers and sellers preferred Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) for their transactions, citing its ability to facilitate smooth and efficient communication. Impressively, 76.06% of the respondents expressed agreement with the idea of adopting NPE as the lingua franca for open markets across Nigeria. As a recommendation, it is suggested that NPE be formally codified and included in the educational curriculum, similar to how the English language is taught in schools. This approach would help standardize and enhance the use of NPE in various sectors, including open markets, promoting effective communication and business transactions.
Research Article | Open Access | Download Full Text
Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Year 2024 | Article Id: DSM-V1I1P102 DOI: https://doi.org/10.59232/DSM-V1I1P102
Choice of Transaction Language among Sellers and Buyers in Igbudu Market, Warri, Nigeria: Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) Option
Jammy Seigha GUANAH
| Received | Revised | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 2023 | 17 Nov 2023 | 08 Dec 2023 | 22 Jan 2024 |
Citation
Jammy Seigha GUANAH. “Choice of Transaction Language among Sellers and Buyers in Igbudu Market, Warri, Nigeria: Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) Option.” DS Journal of Multidisciplinary, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 7-15, 2024.
Abstract
Keywords
Buyers, Language, Market, Pidgin English, Sellers, Transaction.
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