SOCIOLINGUISTIC EXAMINATION OF IGALA-ENGLISH BILINGUALS

Abstract

The paper investigates code-switching as a sociolinguistic feature in the language use among Igala-English bilinguals. The data were drawn from Ankpa, Dekina and Omala local government areas of Kogi State using audio recorder through participatory observation method. The researchers observed Igala-English bilinguals in the course of their conversation in a natural language occurring environment as they used code-switching. The paper randomly selected ten settings that revolved around home, field, party, school environment and motor-park. The paper reveals that Igala-English bilinguals code-switch to display linguistic versatility and the need to accommodate other speakers who may not share the same language with them. It further shows that code-switching patterns have effects on the value associated with a particular code. The paper identifies the linguistic patterns of Igala-English bilinguals as; clarification, derogation, and introduction of proverb. Again, the paper shows that language users tend to show negative attitude towards code-switching, especially among the elderly Igala speakers. However, Igala-English bilinguals accord prestige status to English. Therefore, code-switching among Igala-English bilinguals represents a superior social category.