Vocalic Nigerianisms in Cameroon English

Abstract

This study identifies and describes vocalic nigerianisms connected to the pronunciation of RP monophthongs and diphthongs in the English speech of Cameroonians. Data for the paper constitutes a total of 294 utterances of 36 different Cameroonians who are clergymen, traders, gospel singers and comedians online and in real-life. The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using Phonostylistics and Contact Linguistics as the theories. The findings reveal that different Cameroonians, born and bred in Cameroon, display several vocalic traits of Nigerian English in the pronunciation of the NURSE, STRUT, SCHWA, KIT, LOT, GOOSE, SQUARE, NEAR, FACE and MOUTH vowels. Findings also show that the respondents accent-switch or accent-mix as they use nigerianisms mostly when carrying out specific activities such as preaching, trading, and humour creation. The study recommends in the end that stakeholders should note the differences between Cameroon English and Nigerian English and limit the context of use rather than sacrifice their accent for a foreign one.