CHAPTER ONE
General Introduction
1.1       Introduction
Over the years, the study of language in use has always been an attractive field of study to linguists in the aspect of its origin, nature and its functions, whether for persuasion, poetry, or prayer.
Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication (Wardhaugh, 1972:3).
In the world today, people still continue to research into what language is and its functions. Hence, linguists are in agreement about some of the characteristics of human language, its definition and functions.
The use of language has also become deeply entrenched in human culture and apart from being used to communicate and share information; it also has social uses such as social stratification, social grooming, entertainment and persuasion.
In this research, our focus will be on “the Stylistic Analysis of Bank Advertisements in Selected Nigerian Newspapers”.
1.2       English Language in Nigeria
The English language originates from England. It later spread across the borders of Great Britain and even beyond the continent of Europe to America, Australia, Asia and Africa. It has become so widespread that it is often considered the world language.
The advent of English in Africa cannot be separated from the incursions of trade, missionary and colonial activities. Though, the primary purpose of the missionaries was not to make Christian converts speak English, nevertheless, it was to make the populace literate enough to read the bible in their own languages. Some indigenes were able to learn and use the language after which they became catechists and teachers in the mission schools. The British later colonised Nigeria and of course used their language – English – for administration. It also became more prominent in the educational system and was used for official purposes. It became an elitist symbol used by a few privileged Nigerians who serve as models for some indigenes who sought after education.
The use of English in Nigeria survived the departure of the colonial administrators as the language of governance. Now, after independence, English still survives and assumes a more prominent status in Nigeria. Bamgbose (1971) says it is a medium of social and inter-ethnic communication. It is a national language and it is used as a medium of instructions in schools: primary, secondary and tertiary. He also says that a variant of English tagged Nigerian English has become an inevitable language in the country which has become an invaluable legacy which Britain has bequeathed to Nigeria.
In this vein, the adventure of English language from one culture to another brings about various varieties. The variety of English that performs these functions in Nigeria is not the same as the native speakers’ varieties spoken in Britain or America. For instance, Nigerian pidgin English which has developed much earlier between English traders and Nigerian resident in the coastal areas to cater for the urgent needs of the two linguistic groups for transactional communication became extensively patronised in different versions (Bamgbose, 1995).
Jowitt (1991:191) also opines that the English which is used in the Nigerian environment is something other than a replica of native speakers’ varieties. The evolution of local varieties of English is an illustration of the adaptation of an overseas variety of English to meet the requirements of a second language context. In its use as a medium of both formal and informal communication (Wigwe, 1981).
English language has become therefore an important second language in Nigeria and the rate at which it is accorded importance cannot be over-emphasised. It is an official language, being used to conduct legislative, executive and judicial functions, the principal medium of instruction in Nigeria schools and also the language of journalism.