Abstract
This paper examines the nativisation of English in Nigeria through a
linguistic analysis of Nigerian English as represented in the film, Osuofia In
London. The study draws on World Englishes Theory and Schneider's Dynamic Model
of Postcolonial Englishes to explicate the distinctive linguistic features that
characterise Nigerian English (NE) as a legitimate variety within the broader
spectrum of World Englishes. Through a comprehensive analysis of phonological,
grammatical, lexical-semantic, and discourse–pragmatic features showcased in the
movie, this study demonstrates how NE has evolved from its colonial origins
into a vibrant, rule-governed linguistic system that reflects Nigeria's
multicultural landscape, language contact and sociocultural context. The paper
argues that NE represents not a deficient form of Standard British English SBE
nor a collection of errors but rather an authentic expression of Nigerian
identity that deserves recognition within global linguistic discourse.
Keywords: Nigerian English, Nativisation, Distinct variety, Linguistic features.
DOI: 10.36349/alqajolls.2026.v01i02.031
author/Altine Yakubu PANE
journal/AL-QALAM JLLS 1(2) | June 2026
