The use of pidgin English among students of technical vocational institutes the case of four institutes

Abstract

This work explored the impact of excessive use of Pidgin English on the Standard English among students of four Technical and Vocational Institutes in the Volta Region of Ghana. Two theories, that is, Thorndike’s identical element and the Baby talk on which a conceptual Framework was formed by the researcher. The mixed approach was adopted for the study with the Convergent Parallel Design utilized as the research design. Drawing on purposive and quota sampling techniques, the study used a sample size of 2446 was used out of a population of 6115. The study used a questionnaire and interview guide as their primary instruments for data collection after all ethical considerations were observed and adhered to. Findings from the study showed that, the excessive use of Pidgin English among students has negatively impacted the fluency of speaking Standard English and essay writing of the students from the four selected TVIs. Secondly, peer influence and lack of control ban were the attributive factors for speaking Pidgin English in the schools. Lastly, the study found relative to strategies to curb or minimize this phenomenon must include the active involvement of all key stakeholders such as school management, teachers, and parents. Deducing from the findings, if serious gains would be made in curbing or minimizing this social canker of Pidgin English in Ghanaian schools, an all hands on deck approach must be developed and implemented. This is especially important, considering the current global dispensation the world is living in and the increasing dominance of English language proficiency in all aspects of human lives.