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Abstract
This undergraduate research project provides a descriptive analysis of question formation in
the Benin variety of Nigerian Pidgin. The study is motivated by the need to document this
distinct regional dialect, which remains understudied compared to other varieties like those of
Warri and Port Harcourt. The primary objective was to identify the specific linguistic
strategies used to form questions in Benin Pidgin, with a particular focus on the influence of
the Edo language's tonal system. The research adopted a qualitative and observational
methodology. Data was collected through the careful listening and transcription of naturally
occurring conversations among native speakers of Benin Pidgin in various social settings
across Benin City, including areas like Ring Road, Ugbowo, and New Benin. No formal
interviews were conducted to ensure the authenticity and spontaneity of the data. The analysis
reveals that question formation in Benin Pidgin employs a distinct set of interrogative words,
including "Wetin" (What), "Who" (Who), "How" (How), "Which kin" (Which kind/What
type), and "Why" (Why). Furthermore, the study identifies specific structural patterns for
constructing yes/no questions and the frequent use of question tags like "abi?" and "no be
so?". A key finding is the critical role of tonal inflection, influenced by the Edo substrate, in
distinguishing between statement and question intonation, and in some cases, altering the
meaning of interrogative utterances. This work concludes that the Benin variety of Nigerian
Pidgin possesses a unique and systematic approach to question formation, affirming its value
as a legitimate object of linguistic study and contributing to a more comprehensive
understanding of Nigeria's linguistic diversity.
the Benin variety of Nigerian Pidgin. The study is motivated by the need to document this
distinct regional dialect, which remains understudied compared to other varieties like those of
Warri and Port Harcourt. The primary objective was to identify the specific linguistic
strategies used to form questions in Benin Pidgin, with a particular focus on the influence of
the Edo language's tonal system. The research adopted a qualitative and observational
methodology. Data was collected through the careful listening and transcription of naturally
occurring conversations among native speakers of Benin Pidgin in various social settings
across Benin City, including areas like Ring Road, Ugbowo, and New Benin. No formal
interviews were conducted to ensure the authenticity and spontaneity of the data. The analysis
reveals that question formation in Benin Pidgin employs a distinct set of interrogative words,
including "Wetin" (What), "Who" (Who), "How" (How), "Which kin" (Which kind/What
type), and "Why" (Why). Furthermore, the study identifies specific structural patterns for
constructing yes/no questions and the frequent use of question tags like "abi?" and "no be
so?". A key finding is the critical role of tonal inflection, influenced by the Edo substrate, in
distinguishing between statement and question intonation, and in some cases, altering the
meaning of interrogative utterances. This work concludes that the Benin variety of Nigerian
Pidgin possesses a unique and systematic approach to question formation, affirming its value
as a legitimate object of linguistic study and contributing to a more comprehensive
understanding of Nigeria's linguistic diversity.
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