Language attitudes are the feelings people have about their own language or the language(s) of others. Daily, we tend to form our opinions about others from the way they speak. Our attitudes to different varieties of a language colour the way we perceive the individuals that use those varieties.
In the Ghanaian society, there are basically two distinct varieties of English besides the standard Received Pronunciation (RP) and American English; these are the Standard Ghanaian English and GhaPE. The social distinction for the users of these varieties has for a long time been educational status. Whereas StGhaE was associated with the educated, the non- standard, GhaPE was associated with the uneducated class of the society, who were often seen as a class that struggled to express themselves in English against all odds.
Observing the Ghanaian society today, there seem to be a gradual attitudinal change especially among students in the second cycle and tertiary institutions towards the perceived non-standard of English, Pidgin. Pidgin English has been seen as a preserve of the uneducated and frowned upon by the schooled class. Recent development, however, shows the active use of a variety of Pidgin among students in Ghana. Huber terms it as an educated variety of Pidgin1 which he distinguishes from the uneducated variety, while Dako (2002) calls it Student Pidgin.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Historical Context
- 1.2 Language attitudes
- 2. Analysis of the Questionnaires
- 2.1 Groups that constitute majority of speakers of Pidgin
- 2.2 Period of Active Acquisition and or Influence
- 2.3 Domains of Use
- 2.4 Reasons for use
- 2.5 Patrons in use
- 2.6 Language attitudes towards pidgin
- 3. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper aims to investigate language attitudes towards Ghanaian Pidgin English among students in Ghana. The study utilizes questionnaires to gather data on various aspects of Pidgin English use, including its acquisition, domains of use, and social perceptions.
- Historical context of Ghanaian Pidgin English
- Domains and functions of Ghanaian Pidgin English
- Social perceptions and attitudes towards Ghanaian Pidgin English
- Correlation between language attitudes and social factors
- Influence of Pidgin English on Standard Ghanaian English
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research by providing a historical context of Ghanaian Pidgin English and establishing the broader field of language attitudes research. It lays the groundwork for understanding the social and linguistic factors that shape perceptions and uses of Ghanaian Pidgin English. The chapter likely introduces key theoretical frameworks that will be applied in analyzing the collected data, possibly drawing connections between language attitudes and broader sociolinguistic theories.
2. Analysis of the Questionnaires: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the data collected through questionnaires administered to students in Ghana. The analysis likely explores various aspects of Pidgin English use, including the demographics of speakers, the contexts in which it is used, the reasons for its use, and the social perceptions associated with it. The chapter will likely delve into the specific findings from each section of the questionnaire, providing statistical data and qualitative observations to support the analysis. This section is crucial for understanding the main findings of the research, as it synthesizes the raw data into meaningful interpretations.
Keywords
Ghanaian Pidgin English, language attitudes, sociolinguistics, questionnaire analysis, language use, social perception, code-switching, language acquisition, Ghana.
Ghanaian Pidgin English: A Seminar Paper - FAQ
What is the main topic of this seminar paper?
This seminar paper investigates language attitudes towards Ghanaian Pidgin English among students in Ghana. It uses questionnaires to gather data on various aspects of Pidgin English use, including its acquisition, domains of use, and social perceptions.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the historical context of Ghanaian Pidgin English, its domains and functions, social perceptions and attitudes towards it, the correlation between language attitudes and social factors, and the influence of Pidgin English on Standard Ghanaian English.
What methods were used to collect data for this research?
The primary method used was questionnaires administered to students in Ghana. The questionnaires gathered data on various aspects of Pidgin English use.
What aspects of Pidgin English use are analyzed in the paper?
The analysis explores the demographics of speakers, the contexts in which Pidgin English is used, the reasons for its use, and the social perceptions associated with it. The analysis also likely includes statistical data and qualitative observations.
What does the introduction chapter cover?
The introduction provides a historical context of Ghanaian Pidgin English and establishes the broader field of language attitudes research. It lays the groundwork for understanding the social and linguistic factors that shape perceptions and uses of Ghanaian Pidgin English and introduces key theoretical frameworks.
What does the chapter on questionnaire analysis cover?
This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the data collected through questionnaires. It explores various aspects of Pidgin English use, providing statistical data and qualitative observations to support the analysis. This section synthesizes raw data into meaningful interpretations.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Ghanaian Pidgin English, language attitudes, sociolinguistics, questionnaire analysis, language use, social perception, code-switching, language acquisition, Ghana.
What is the overall objective of this research?
The objective is to investigate language attitudes towards Ghanaian Pidgin English among students in Ghana and to understand the various aspects of its use within the Ghanaian context.
What is the structure of the seminar paper?
The paper is structured into three main sections: an introduction providing background information and theoretical framework; a detailed analysis of questionnaire data; and a conclusion summarizing the findings.
Where can I find more detailed information on this research?
The provided text offers a comprehensive language preview, including a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. Further details would be found in the full seminar paper itself.
- Quote paper
- Ignatius suglo (Author), 2012, Language Attitudes towards Ghanaian Pidgin English among Students in Ghana, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/302327
