In the business context, currently, there are 33,460 companies in Lagos, Nigeria (Business List, 2017), all of which are keenly contesting to position their brands in the minds of their customers. First, it allows them to understand better, communicate, and connect with their customers. It is only logical to conclude that Pidgin should not be given the back seat when adopting multilingualism but considered a parallel to the English Language.Īccepting Pidgin English in the corporate workplace can help organizations achieve three results. Research conducted by Euromonitor International in 2009 shows that while 43 percent of the Nigerian population speak English, the closest language with such popularity is Pidgin, which has approximately 23 percent of the people. In the Nigerian workplace situation, there is already increased adoption of local languages for increased fluidity and efficiency, whereas Pidgin is even well suited for such a task. Its vocabulary, though predominantly English, has its linguistic forms changed to suit the value system and worldview of the African people. There is a case for the inclusion of Pidgin English. Schneider 1966 argues that Pidgin is not a mere simplification of the English language but a different and describable language. Employees are sensitized and admonished to interact effectively with colleagues and clients worldwide (Angouri & Miglbauer, 2014 Gunnarsson, 2013 van den Born Peltokorpi, 2010). 1996) and the advent of advanced technologies recognizes a multilingual workplace as a necessity.

The current globalized world of a new work order as described in the works of (Gee et al. The scope is not to erase the current use of the English language but to promote Pidgin English to at least a parallel language alongside English in the workplace. The purpose of this study is to assert that there is a strong case for the adoption of Pidgin in the workplace in the era of globalization and increased acceptability of multilingualism in the workplace. It is termed informal and thus unfit for 'formal' settings. There are reported workplace rules against the use of Pidgin. Therefore, it is surprising that there is stiff resistance to the adoption of Pidgin English in formal and corporate settings. According to Dadzie (1985), Nigerian Pidgin arose due to a felt need for communication between the colonizer and the colonized.

In Nigeria, Pidgin English currently suffers wide unacceptability in the workplace.

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