I know English is not our mother tongue, but it is the Nigerian lingua franca.
The English language serves as a tool for communication in Nigeria, allowing individuals of the various ethnic groups to convey their thoughts and ideas effectively. However, it is not uncommon for words to be misused or misunderstood, leading to confusion and misinterpretation. In Nigerian English, two commonly misused words are "severally" and "working class.
In standard English, "severally" refers to something happening individually or separately.
However, in Nigerian English, it is often mistakenly used to mean "repeatedly" or "many times." This linguistic shift may stem from the influence of local languages, where the equivalent word may have a slightly different usage. Moreover, the lack of proper education and familiarity with standard English can contribute to the misuse of this word.

The Implications:
The misuse of the word "severally" in Nigeria can lead to miscommunication and confusion, especially when interacting with individuals who are more accustomed to standard English. It hinders effective communication and can create a negative perception of Nigerians' proficiency in the English language. Therefore, it is essential to address this issue by promoting proper language education and encouraging the use of standard English in formal settings
Another linguistic discrepancy in Nigeria revolves around the misuse of the term "working class." In its true sense, the working class refers to individuals who earn wages or salary through manual labor or non-managerial jobs. However, in Nigerian parlance, the term is often misused to describe anyone engaged in any form of employment, irrespective of their job position or income level. This misuse may result from a lack of understanding or misinterpretation of the term's true meaning.

The Implications:
Misusing the term "working class" can lead to a misrepresentation of social and economic realities in Nigeria. It blurs the distinction between different socio-economic groups, making it difficult to accurately gauge the economic disparities within the country. Moreover, this misuse may hinder policy formulation and implementation, as inaccurate categorizations can prevent targeted interventions for specific groups.

Conclusion:
The misuse of words like "severally" and "working class" in Nigeria highlights the importance of language education and the need for clarity and precision in communication. Other words also misused are gist, ramifications and lousy. It is crucial for Nigerians who misuse these terms to understand the correct usage to enhance effective communication and avoid any potential misunderstandings. By promoting proper language education and encouraging the use of standard English, Nigeria can bridge the linguistic gap and improve communication skills, leading to more accurate and effective dialogue both within the country and on the global stage.