CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF SLANG AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS AND MOUNTAIN TOP UNIVERSITY

📄 Project Abstract

In spite of the extensive use of the formal language of communication and instruction on Nigerian university campuses, the use of language is determined by common interests and identity; and can be a powerful weapon of self-preservation and identity formation (Olukoju, 2008). The power of language to convey meanings in communication is well-known; however, the desire and insatiable need of man to express hidden meaning(s) in their daily conversations is over-whelming. Despite the fact that formal language is encouraged in the Nigerian educational system through instruction and communication, the desire to form a social identity among peers in schools, especially those in the tertiary institutions, through the use of informal and unrestricted forms of language is now very common. Little wonder Adedun (2008) affirms that scholars have shown an unusual interest in the use of language by undergraduates. The earnest desire of many students, especially undergraduates, is to use a language th...