Yogbish Examples of in Everyday Nigerian Discourse

 

Part II: Examples of Yogbish in Everyday Nigerian Discourse

Author: Alfred Mwiti

Affiliation: Independent Scholar, Language & Cultural Studies

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Introduction

Building on the theoretical foundation established in Part I, this study examines concrete examples of Yogbish in everyday Nigerian communication. These examples illustrate how English interacts with Yoruba and Igbo linguistic structures to create distinct phonological, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic patterns.

1. Phonological Patterns

In Yogbish, English words are often pronounced in ways that reflect Yoruba or Igbo tonal and stress patterns. For example:

• “I go come” → Instead of “I will be back soon,” the sentence uses simple future tense construction reflecting Igbo influence.
• “Abi?” → A question tag meaning “right?” or “isn’t it?” borrowed from Nigerian Pidgin but integrated into Nigerian English syntax.

These patterns demonstrate the fusion of African phonology with English lexicon.

2. Semantic Extensions

Yogbish often assigns new meanings to standard English words. Examples include:

• “Trekked” → Used to mean “walked for a long distance” (common in Southern Nigeria).
• “Borrow” → Can imply both temporary use and social obligation (“Can I borrow your car?” also suggests I will care for it responsibly).

Such semantic shifts illustrate local cognitive framing of English concepts.

3. Syntactic Patterns

Syntactic structures in Yogbish frequently deviate from Standard British English. For example:

• “She don finish her work” → Present perfect simplified as a habitual tense, influenced by Yoruba verb structure.
• “I am coming now now” → Repetition emphasizes immediacy, a pragmatic feature common in Igbo and Yoruba.

These constructions are grammatically systematic within Yogbish, rather than random errors.

4. Pragmatic and Cultural Usage

Beyond grammar, Yogbish reflects Nigerian cultural norms. Examples:

• Greetings are often lengthened and elaborated: “Good morning, how body?”
• Politeness markers: “Abeg” inserted for emphasis or deference.
• Storytelling rhythms and repetition mirror oral traditions, creating a distinctly Nigerian English discourse style.

Conclusion

These examples demonstrate that Yogbish is not a collection of mistakes but a **systematic, nativized variety of English**. Its phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics all reflect **African linguistic and cultural influence**. Recognizing Yogbish as a legitimate variety of English highlights the **agency, identity, and creativity** of Nigerian speakers.

Keywords

Yogbish; Nigerian English; Examples; Language Contact; Phonology; Syntax; Pragmatics; African Englishes

Author Information

Alfred Mwiti is an independent scholar and writer with interests in sociolinguistics, postcolonial studies, African literature, and World Englishes. His work explores language as a site of identity, power, and cultural reclamation in postcolonial societies.