PIDGIN AS A TOOL FOR RADIO BROADCAST COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The realization of Pidgin as an important language to reach the margins of the society and its place in development broadcast is the interest that prompts this study. The researcher is concerned about filling the gap in research on the adoption of pidgin as a tool of social inclusion in Radio broadcast.  This study therefore sets out to investigate the use of pidgin in radio broadcasts in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria; examine the extent of its domestication in each zone; ascertain its reach as a development communication tool and whether the current Pidgin programmes are geared towards national development. The researcher adopted the descriptive design and quantitative method. A multi stage sampling technique was used for the study in deriving a sample from the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.The sample for the quantitative instrument is calculated using the Taro Yamane formula.The total sample size for the survey is 2396. A Questionnaire was designed and administered. Data was analyzed using the statistical analysis software known as SPSS (version 21). Frequency and percentage scores as well as mean and standard deviation were used to determine the distribution of responses. Chi square test of association was used to determine significant association between nominal variables and the responses. The statistical analysis of the data revealed varying usages of Pidgin in radio broadcasts and programme types ranging from 14% to 65%. The analysis further revealed that there are areas in Nigeria where Pidgin is not used at all in radio broadcasts. On the basis of the findings, the study concluded that Pidgin usage in radio broadcasts in Nigeria today is very poor and not presently helpful in reaching the large population of Nigerians for social inclusion in the realms of politics and promotion of goods and services, and thereby not helping in making the sustainable development goals realizable. The Study also concluded that Nigerian Radio stations which present a very accessible and affordable means of mass communication have not been effectively utilized to promote national development through the most important bridge language in Nigeria.