Abstract:
This work explored the impact of excessive use of Pidgin English on the Standard
English among students of four Technical and Vocational Institutes in the Volta
Region of Ghana. Two theories, that is, Thorndike’s identical element and the Baby
talk on which a conceptual Framework was formed by the researcher. The mixed
approach was adopted for the study with the Convergent Parallel Design utilized as
the research design. Drawing on purposive and quota sampling techniques, the study
used a sample size of 2446 was used out of a population of 6115. The study used a
questionnaire and interview guide as their primary instruments for data collection
after all ethical considerations were observed and adhered to. Findings from the study
showed that, the excessive use of Pidgin English among students has negatively
impacted the fluency of speaking Standard English and essay writing of the students
from the four selected TVIs. Secondly, peer influence and lack of control ban were
the attributive factors for speaking Pidgin English in the schools. Lastly, the study
found relative to strategies to curb or minimize this phenomenon must include the
active involvement of all key stakeholders such as school management, teachers, and
parents. Deducing from the findings, if serious gains would be made in curbing or
minimizing this social canker of Pidgin English in Ghanaian schools, an all hands on
deck approach must be developed and implemented. This is especially important,
considering the current global dispensation the world is living in and the increasing
dominance of English language proficiency in all aspects of human lives.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Foreign
Languages Education and Communication, submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Teaching English as a Second Language – TESL)
in the University of Education, Winneba
