Codifying Nigerian English: Progress, politics and challenges

Abstract: The codification of Nigerian English has progressed significantly in recent decades, yet debates surrounding its legitimacy and standardisation persist. While the variety has been extensively documented in linguistic scholarship, its institutionalisation remains contested.

Drawing from my and others’ recent work on Nigerian English, this talk examines the ongoing process of codification, highlighting the progress made so far, the sociopolitical factors that shape the development of Nigerian English, and the roadblocks to its full institutionalisation.

I will show how lexicographical documentation, scholarly engagement, public attitudes, pedagogy and policy initiatives contribute to codification. Ultimately, I will argue that while linguistic codification is an ongoing and multifaceted process, its success depends on sociopolitical dynamics, educational integration, and shifting attitudes towards linguistic legitimacy.