As in the class of words repeatedly confused for another in the English grammar, “specially” and “especially,” suffer the same fate or treatment without the writer or speaker knowing it. Especially in the written vocabulary, the mistake is more obvious than in the spoken word. Care should therefore, be taken not to confused the two different words in the usage. Just as Chambers 21st Century Dictionary warns; “there is often confusion between “specially” and “especially,” and went on to explain in concrete terms the disparity among the two adverbs, “specially” and “especially.”
According to the authoritative and modern dictionary, the vocabulary, “specially” means something done or set aside for a special purpose, whereas the expression, “especially” means particularly, something unique, and points to an object that stands out from , or similar. Throwing more light, and perhaps to clear the doubt, the reference book illustrated the differences between the two statements, “specially” and “especially.” For instance, the verb, “specially” as in the phrase, “Tunde made the cake specially for John’s birthday.” The adjective, “special” is indicative of something distinct, from, and usually better than others of same or similar kind, the dictionary stressed. There are “special” occasions, for example, that demands immediate attention. “Jane was very special to him.”
Anything designed for a particular purpose. One can get a special programme to achieve something. The grammar, “special” is also classified under that which is not ordinary or common; special circumstances, particularly of great consequence. We can go on to mention specific areas that could be itemised to suit when the adjective, “special” would be considered. The examples are plenty. Now, sample these; specialist (noun), is one who specialises in carrying out anything unique, such as a specialist in medicine, field of study etc. Specialism (noun), to be noted for a particular subject or area of study, that someone specialises in, act of specialisation in something. Again, “specialist” could be associated with someone whose work, interest or expertise is concentrated on a particular subject.
That also bring us to another subject that some writers stumble or stray, not knowing exactly how to differentiate between the two nouns, “speciality” and “specialty.” Don’t panic; the two, “speciality” and “specialty,” according to the dictionary, mean the same thing. That is where the choice of pronunciation and usage come to play. For the Nigerian and the Commonwealth nations media space; British English takes precedence over American English. Britain maintain the vocabulary, “speciality” as a particular area of interest, of distinctive quality, specified product, whereas, “specialty” is American, both in spelling and pronunciation.
Spelling and pronunciation, especially, the Americans, so to speak, have compelled the lexicographers to go side by side with the British English leaving the writer and speaker, the academia, in most cases, to choose the one that they fancy most, or by indoctrination or influence, depending on where they acquired their training. Of late, however, American English is steadily gaining momentum, particularly so among the academia in the ivory tower and other higher institutions in Nigeria in spelling and articulation. The Nigerian media, electronic and print appear not be perturbed or shaken by the development, just as they favour the British English in telling the News.
Some concerns are however, being raised that there are broadcast stations in the country Americanising the citizens through usage of unfamiliar or strange phonetics and delivery that makes them look like visitors in their own father land. I would advise such persons who are complaining to learn to cope. After all, it’s a free world where freedom of expression and association are permitted.
At best, these presenters and anchors should be retrained to fit into the Nigerian environment. We place emphasis on the adjective, “special,” because there are various ways we can use the word to direct our thoughts. “Special,” as the dictionary tells us, is anything that is special to the individual or group of persons. To be identified with something. To be in a class of its own, absolute, chief, distinct, distinguished, noteworthy, etc.
