Overt Writes - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Overt Writes

This research study addresses a significant gap in the fields of linguistics and marketing by con... more This research study addresses a significant gap in the fields of linguistics and marketing by conducting a comprehensive lexico-semantic analysis of electronic advertisements in Pidgin English. To undertake this analysis, data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Ten on-air advertisements were purposively selected from radio stations with widespread transmission in Nigeria, focusing on commercials for commercial brands in Pidgin English. Additionally, secondary sources such as books, journal articles, and academic discussions with experts in advertising and lexico-semantics will provide valuable insights. The research methodology includes interpretative and descriptive data analysis, using a model proposed by Igboanusi (2008) to analyze lexical borrowing, code-switching, and semantic extensions in Pidgin English. The analysis will encompass a wide range of products and services, allowing for a multifaceted examination of Pidgin English's communicative value in media advertising. Findings of the study suggest that Nigerian English adverts employ linguistic diversity and cultural context to engage with the audience effectively. The use of code-switching, simplified grammar, Pidgin-specific vocabulary, and cultural expressions creates engaging and relatable advertisements that convey intended messages. Moreover, incorporating Nigerian Pidgin English proves to be an effective medium for communication, making adverts relatable, engaging, and culturally relevant. The use of imperative forms, colloquial expressions, and cultural references in Pidgin English adverts encourages the audience to take action and make informed choices. Furthermore, localized vocabulary, catchy jingles, and music effectively capture the target audience's attention and interest. The lexical choices in Nigerian English adverts reflect the richness and diversity of the language as a powerful resource for advertising. Ths research contributes to existing scholarship by shedding light on the underexplored lexico-semantic aspects of Pidgin English in electronic advertising. It not only enriches our understanding of Pidgin English but also offers insights for advertisers to harness its full potential, creating impactful and memorable advertisements that resonate with their target audience.

Discourse analysis is a method of studying how people use language in different situations to und... more Discourse analysis is a method of studying how people use language in different situations to understand what they really mean and what messages they are sending (Smith, 2019). It helps us understand how language is used to create social relationships and cultural norms (Johnson, 2020). Discourse analysis examines language use in various forms of communication, such as spoken, written, visual, or multi-modal texts, and focuses on how language is used to construct social meaning and relationships, and how it reflects and reinforces power dynamics, ideologies, and cultural norms (Brown & Lee, 2018).
Teaching English as a second language (ESL) is important because it enables learners to communicate effectively in a globalized world where English is widely used as a lingua franca (Garcia, 2021). ESL teachers help learners develop their linguistic and communicative competence in English, as well as their intercultural awareness and sensitivity (Smith, 2017). ESL teachers also facilitate learners’ access to various educational, professional, and personal opportunities that require English proficiency (Chen, 2019).

A STRUCTURAL COMPARISON OF ENGLISH AS A TARGET LANGUAGE WITH EFFIK, 2024

The study is a linguistic investigation that delves into the structural aspects of two distinct l... more The study is a linguistic investigation that delves into the structural aspects of two distinct languages: English, a globally dominant language, and Efik, a language primarily spoken by the Efik ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State. This research is motivated by the need to understand and document the structural features, including syntactical patterns, morphological elements, and phonological characteristics, of both English and Efik

Ecocriticism in Nigeria, 2022

Nigeria stands as a nation endowed with abundant natural resources, a tapestry of cultural divers... more Nigeria stands as a nation endowed with abundant natural resources, a tapestry of cultural diversity, and a tapestry woven with the threads of historical heritage. Nevertheless, this rich tapestry is marred by a slew of formidable environmental challenges that demand our attention. These include the menacing specter of oil pollution, the relentless march of deforestation, the inexorable encroachment of desertification, the ominous shadow of climate change, and the haunting specter of biodiversity loss. The ramifications of these challenges are far-reaching, casting a somber pall over the health, subsistence, and overall well-being of millions of Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas who rely heavily on nature's bounty for their sustenance (Glotfelty & Fromm, 2020). Furthermore, these environmental conundrums are inextricably intertwined with an intricate web of social, political, and economic issues, including but not limited to poverty, inequality, corruption, conflict, and human rights abuses. It is evident that addressing these multifaceted environmental issues in Nigeria necessitates a holistic approach, one that encompasses not just technical and scientific solutions, but also ethical and cultural considerations.

EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS OF SPORTS CONSUMPTION AND BETTING IN THE UK, 2023

This study delves into the multifaceted realm of sports consumption and betting within the United... more This study delves into the multifaceted realm of sports consumption and betting within the United Kingdom, exploring the perceptions and behaviors of young adults aged 18-35. Sports consumption encompasses the diverse ways individuals engage with sports, while sports betting involves placing wagers on sports events. The UK serves as a significant hub for both activities, with widespread internet and smartphone usage facilitating access to sports-related content and online betting platforms. In 2019, online sports betting contributed significantly to the UK's gross gambling yield.

The UK government has enacted policies and regulations to ensure responsible gambling practices, including the Gambling Act of 2005 and the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act of 2014. However, challenges persist, including the potential impact of sports betting on problem gambling and gambling-related harm. A survey by the Gambling Commission revealed the presence of problem and moderate-risk gamblers within the UK population, indirectly affecting millions of individuals.

Research suggests that online sports betting may pose a higher risk for problem gambling compared to other forms of gambling. Moreover, sports consumption may influence sports betting behavior, with exposure to biased commentary and advertising affecting betting choices.

This study aims to address these challenges and opportunities by exploring young adults' ideologies, attitudes, and expectations related to sports consumption and betting. It also assesses their reactions to sports betting advertisements and outcomes and evaluates existing policies and their impact on young adults. The research questions center on understanding what inspires young adults to engage in sports betting, how they perceive sports betting advertisements, the effectiveness of existing policies, and the negative effects of sports betting on this demographic.

The significance of this study transcends academia, impacting policymaking and industry practices. It provides insights into responsible gambling practices, informs media strategies, and fosters a balance between entertainment and responsible reporting. Ultimately, it contributes to societal well-being while sustaining a viable industry.

However, this research has limitations, including sample size constraints and potential biases. Perceptions are dynamic and subject to change over time, requiring ongoing research. Social desirability bias may impact participant responses. Despite these limitations, this study offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of sports consumption and betting in the UK, enriching scholarship and informing policies and practices.

Contrastive Analysis of Hausa and English Language

This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Hausa language and English langua... more This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Hausa language and English language, focusing on their phonetic, phonemic, and grammatical differences. The research begins by examining the global status of the English language and the challenges encountered by ESL and EFL learners due to the influence of their native language on their second language performance. The analysis proceeds by comparing the consonant systems of English and Hausa. English possesses 24 consonants, while Hausa has 34, including unique sounds such as pulmonic egressive and glottalic egressive and ingressive consonants. Additionally, Hausa employs abutting consonants, which belong to two syllables, unlike English consonant clusters. The study also reveals the presence of secondary articulations in certain Hausa consonants. The vowel systems of English and Hausa are examined. English comprises 20 vowels, including pure vowels and diphthongs, while Hausa has 13 vowels, consisting of pure vowels and diphthongs. Notably, the study highlights the differences in the spelling and pronunciation of Hausa vowels, which can lead to varying word meanings despite identical spellings. The grammatical structures of English and Hausa sentences are then explored. English sentences are analyzed in terms of form, pattern, distribution, and variety, with illustrative examples provided to depict diverse sentence types. Similarly, Hausa sentences are analyzed based on these criteria, highlighting both similarities and partial differentiation. The contrastive analysis concludes by emphasizing the discrepancies between English and Hausa grammars. English predominantly follows the SVOCA pattern, whereas Hausa displays variations such as VP+VP and VP+Adj Phr, although it generally conforms to the SVOCA pattern. Understanding these disparities is deemed crucial for effective language teaching. The study proposes two teaching methods that can aid English Language Teachers (ELTs) in delivering efficient English as a second language instruction. The Grammar-Translation Method, rooted in Western society, emphasizes translation between the target and native languages, while the Audiolingual Method focuses on developing listening and speaking skills through repetitive drills and dialogues. This contrastive analysis offers a comprehensive examination of the phonetic, phonemic, and grammatical distinctions between English and Hausa. It sheds light on the challenges faced by learners and provides insights to enhance language instruction for ELTs.

CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE KANURI LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 2021

This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Kanuri language and the English l... more This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Kanuri language and the English language. The abstract begins by emphasizing the significance of language in human communication and the pivotal role of words in linguistic studies. It briefly touches upon the Kanuri people, their origins, and their traditional way of life, setting the context for the analysis. The focus of the study is primarily on the sentence structure in English and Kanuri, highlighting notable differences, particularly in sentence types and the prevalence of imperative sentences in English. The examination extends to the analysis of verb forms in Kanuri, encompassing present tense, past tense, and future tense, with an exploration of their respective functions. Additionally, the abstract briefly discusses the word order rules governing English and the comparatively more flexible word order in Kanuri. An essential aspect explored in this study is the challenges faced by Kanuri speakers when learning English, specifically the difficulties encountered in transitioning from a system of flexible word order to one with stricter rules. The influence of the native language on second language acquisition is also examined, shedding light on how the grammatical structure of the native language tends to shape the learning process. To address the effective teaching of English as a second language, this study recommends various teaching methods for English Language Teachers (ELTs). These methods include communicative teaching, the grammar-translation method, the audiolingual method, the direct method, the natural approach, and discussion methods. Each method is briefly described, offering ELTs a range of approaches to facilitate language learning and proficiency. This study encourages students and researchers interested in the study of language, particularly the Kanuri language, to consider the structural and formal aspects of the language. The abstract underscores the need for further research and discussion in this area to deepen understanding and facilitate future advancements in the field. By investigating sentence structure, verb forms, and teaching methods, this study contributes to the broader understanding of language contrast and effective language instruction.

Drafts by Overt Writes

Abayomi, 2023

The gradual shift from the offline to online communication such as text messaging has given way t... more The gradual shift from the offline to online communication such as text messaging has given way to innovative language-short forms whose morph-syntactic aspects have permeated the linguistic characters of the texters. For about a decade now, there exist a growing body of research on mobile phone text messaging by linguists but only very few have been done in the area of morpho-syntax. The work therefore, examines the aspects of morphology and syntax found in SMS text messages. It adopts a combination of Chomsky (1957) Transformational and Silverstein (1976) Meta pragmatic theories. Through the move-a rule and the pragmatic method of analysis, the study discovers that there are morpho-syntactic variations among texters which are problematic to formal English. It also reveals that movement of constituents from one slot to the other is a common feature in text messages though some of such movements violates move-a rules. Other syntactic differences are reflected in form of subject/agent, object, determiner, toinfinitive deletions/omissions. Word order violations, contractions, abbreviations, acronyms, compounding, blends and lack of punctuation also characterize morphosyntactic elements in SMS texts. Morphologically, there is no hard and fast rule with regards to the users' choice of letters in abbreviation. Texters use a combination of letters and numbers in their text messages and in some cases they use only numerals. The texters obviously down-play the orthographic and syntactic rules of the formal English language for their convenience.

Contrastive Analysis, 2023

This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Isang language and English langua... more This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Isang language and English language, focusing on phonology, syntax, tenses, and overall language structure. The primary objective is to highlight the similarities and differences between the two languages, particularly providing insights for bilingual students and language learners. The study advocates the use of contrastive analysis as an effective approach for examining and comparing different languages. The phonological analysis compares the vowel sounds in Isang and English. Isang utilizes five vowel sounds represented by the letters a, i, u, e, and o, while English encompasses a broader range of long and short vowel sounds with distinct phonetic representations. The analysis pinpoints specific differences in the pronunciation of shared phonemes between the two languages. Moving on to syntax, the study delves into the rules governing word combinations to form phrases, clauses, and sentences. Isang follows a case-based structure, whereas English relies on word order. The contrastive analysis highlights notable structural disparities, particularly in terms of complement positioning within sentences and the order of modifiers and determiners in phrases. Furthermore, the analysis examines the tenses employed in English and Isang. Four fundamental tenses in English-simple present, present continuous, present perfect, and simple past-are contrasted with their corresponding Isang counterparts. The analysis elucidates distinct tense formation and expression methods in both languages, encompassing the use of auxiliary verbs, verb conjugations, and negation placement. While the primary focus lies in elucidating the dissimilarities between Isang and English, the analysis acknowledges certain similarities, particularly pertaining to sentence patterns involving subject-verb constructions. the abstract underscores the value and effectiveness of contrastive analysis as a tool for language learners and educators. By comparing their native language with the target language, learners can develop a deeper understanding of linguistic structures and enhance their overall proficiency. Additionally, the abstract briefly outlines two language teaching methodologies-the Grammar-Translation Method and the Audiolingual Methodas potential approaches for teaching and learning the Isang and English languages.

None, 2023

This paper discusses contrastive analysis of language and meaning in Abiku child in two prominent... more This paper discusses contrastive analysis of language and meaning in Abiku child in two prominent Nigerian poems: J.P Clark's Abiku and Wole Soyinka's Abiku. The paper provides a detailed background of the poems, analyzes the language and meaning of each, and compares and contrasts the writers' approach to the theme. The analysis focuses on the language and literary devices used in the poems, including repetition, imagery, allusion, and personification. The paper also explores the cultural and personal experiences that influenced the writers' approach to the theme of the Abiku child. Ultimately, this study sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the significance of language in conveying meaning and understanding the world around us.