UNIBEN MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENT’S PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF PIDGIN ENGLISH

ABSTRACT

Pidgin English is arguably the most pervasive and mass oriented language in Nigeria, especially given the multi-ethic coloration of the country. Understandably, the pidgin English is increasingly gaining acceptance as a language of the mass communication in the country hence, television programmes are increasingly employing it to reach mass audiences in Nigeria. This was what necessitated this study. therefore this study investigated the perception of wap tv audience to the use of pidgin English in their programmes, with a focus on the university of Benin Mass Communication students.  Survey design was employed with the use of questionnaire. The participant were ( uder graduate full time) 363 Mass Communication students fromm 100-400level. Simple random and purposive technique were adopted in selecting the sample size. Simple percentage and frequency tables were used to analyze the data generated through the 3- point likert scale using mean scores.. Findings shows that wap tv programmes produced in pidgin English have more profound positive impact on the audience although still have slight negative impact when it comes to age considerations. Against this backdrop, the research recommended that wap tv audience should take precautions and minimize the way they interact in pidgin so that the young mind will not be corrupted instead of being educated.