Towards a Phonetic-Based Alphabet for Nigerian Pidgin

Abstract

This paper makes a case for a phonetics-based spelling system for Nigerian Pidgin. It examines data from Warri, Delta State, Nigeria to demonstrate the phonetic basis for orthography development in relation to the principles of good orthographies of Williamson, (1984). The primary data are extracts from the speeches of sixty pidgin speakers, cutting across different age and social groups. The extracted items were transcribed in line with IPA recommended symbols and analyzed along-side the already transcribed secondary data that were sourced from published works in Nigerian Pidgin. The findings show that a spelling system (and orthography, in general) will not reflect actual use of language, and will not be user-friendly unless it is based on the phonetic reality of the actual use of the language for which it is intended. This paper concludes that thirty-seven letters are relevant to achieving this feat in Nigerian Pidgin.