NIGERIANS AND POLITENESS EXPRESSION IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE A STUDY OF THE NON-TEACHING STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

NIGERIANS AND POLITENESS EXPRESSION IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE A STUDY OF THE NON-TEACHING STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

ABSTRACT

In Nigeria, the English language is the language of everyday communication, especially in work places. To support this, most employers of labour expect a high level of proficiency in the language skills, from would-be employees. However, probably because English is a second language in Nigeria, most Nigerians are yet to grasp its intricacies, they lack necessary linguistic capacity to express their feelings appropriately. Many a time, required tact and courtesy expected in social interactions during service encounters are found wanting. This often causes a setback in communication. One of such work places where the above stated is exemplified is the university community, the haven of polished people. The researcher’s focus in this study is, therefore, to show that everyday communication in the English language is to be peppered with linguistic politeness, demonstrate different ways in which communication could be face threatening and suggest how one could couch speeches and compositions with politeness strategies in order to sustain cooperative communication. The choice of the non-teaching staff of the University of Nigeria was made considering the fact that they are the service providers to students, staff and even visitors to the university community. The expositions, discoveries and suggestions of this study are worthy of note.