In this week’s column, based on requests from readers, I explain why the popular Nigerian English “His Royal Highness” is strange to English speakers outside Nigeria. I also explain why “the Gambia” is always preceded by the article “the.” You will find other questions and answers on grammar and usage as well. Traditional rulers in... Read More

Opinion

American English, english, Farooq Kperogi, nigeria, opinion, traditional ruler

December 28, 2016

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Farooq Kperogi: My word of the year? Dalung’s “Spended.” Here’s Why

by Farooq Kperogiitter It is traditional for dictionaries and grammar mavens to choose their words of the year at the close of the year. Mine is “spended.” It is the nonstandard past tense of “spend,” which is popular with non-native English speakers particularly in Asia. But it was popularized in Nigeria by Minister of Youths... Read More

Opinion

American English, Dalung, grammar, mama peace, New lexicons, Nigeria's political class

October 25, 2016

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Farooq Kperogi: “Outrightly,” “Faithfuls,” “Graduands”: Q and A on Nigerian English and learner Errors

by Farooq Kperogi Over the past few days, I was dragged into many online arguments about the grammatical correctness of certain popular Nigerian English expressions. My responses to these conversations form the core of today’s column. Is the word “outrightly” an illegitimate word even though some online dictionaries have an entry for it? Why don’t... Read More

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American English, Farooq Kperogi, grammar, nigeria, Nigerian English

Farooq Kperogi: Princes, not Kings, are called “His Royal Highness”

Farooq Kperogi: My word of the year? Dalung’s “Spended.” Here’s Why

Farooq Kperogi: “Outrightly,” “Faithfuls,” “Graduands”: Q and A on Nigerian English and learner Errors

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