Misunderstood Communication

Language serves as a bridge connecting people, but misconceptions due to deviations from Standard English, can hinder communication both locally and internationally. In Nigeria, English has evolved into Nigerian English, reflecting local culture and idioms, fostering national identity.

Misconceptions arise when phrases like “I’m coming,” “trafficate,” “flash me,” among others, differ in meaning from global usage, potentially causing confusion in formal, academic, and international settings.

Misunderstandings can lead to practical issues, such as errors in professional emails, academic papers, or diplomatic discussions. For Nigerians pursuing global opportunities, mastering Standard English ensures effective communication and competitiveness.

Misconceptions can have practical consequences. In professional settings, a Nigerian businessperson drafting an email, a student writing an academic paper, or a diplomat engaging in international discussions must ensure clarity. If Standard English is misused or misinterpreted, it can lead to unintended implications, contractual errors, or lost opportunities. For Nigerians seeking global career prospects or educational opportunities, mastery of Standard English ensures that they can compete on an international scale without their message being distorted by linguistic misinterpretations.

While Nigerian English is a legitimate variety, mastering Standard English is crucial for clarity in global communication. The key lies in distinguishing when to use Nigerian English informally and when to switch to Standard English for broader communication. In other words, the ability to code-switch between Nigerian and Standard English ensures mutual understanding both locally and internationally, preventing language from becoming a barrier in diplomacy, business, and education.


Look sharp

Be a devil

Bank holiday

Go getter / Goal getter

Rest assured / Be rest assured

On the ground / On ground

Jokes apart / Joke apart / Joking apart

To date / Till date

I’m / I am / Am

And the likes / And the like

God-sent / Godsent / Godsend

More grease to your elbow

Make a killing / Make a kill

Insist that he go to school. OR Insist that he goes to school. (See more…)

With regard to OR With regards to (See more…)

To be Content OR To be Contented (See more…)

Everyday OR Every day (See more…)

Matured person OR Mature person (See more…)

Have your cake and eat it / Have your cake and eat it too (English) OR Eat your cake and have it (Nigerian English) (See more…)

Abroad OR In the abroad (See more…)

At a crossroads / At the crossroads OR At a crossroad (See more)

Money laundry OR Money laundering (See more…)

Put out the fire OR Put off the fire (See more…)

Birds of the same feather flock together OR Birds of a feather flock together (See more…)

Mayday OR May Day (See more…)

It takes two to tangle OR It takes two to tango (See more…)

Money laundry OR Money laundering (See more…)

Put out the fire OR Put off the fire (See more…)

Birds of the same feather flock together OR Birds of a feather flock together (See more…)

Mayday OR May Day (See more…)

It takes two to tangle OR It takes two to tango (See more…)

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander OR What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander (See more…)

Strongman OR Strong man (See more…)

“Severally” doesn’t mean ‘several times.’ (See more…)

Is it okay to say “this your” book? (See more…)

One and a half OR One and half (See more…)

Maybe OR May be (See more…)

People talk so much about “touch grass” on social media. (Let’s connect meaning with origin)

Is it correct to say: He is a ‘mediocre?’ (See more…)

“No Cap” has no connection with the cap we wear. (See more and the origin…)

“Baller” may not only be associated with the world of sports (See more…)

You dey form / Forming (How did “you dey form” come about? See more…)

How “Bro” or “Bros” emerged from “Brother.” (See more…)

You dey para (Origin of “para.” See more…)

How Hausa word “Maigad” got its name. (See more…)

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