An examination of morphological borrowing in Igbo language among diaspora communities
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Background of the study
Morphological borrowing occurs when language users incorporate elements from one language into another, modifying word structures to fit their linguistic system. In Igbo diaspora communities, morphological borrowing is prevalent as speakers negotiate between maintaining traditional forms and adapting to host languages. This study examines how Igbo speakers abroad integrate borrowed morphemes into their language, influencing derivational and inflectional patterns. Diaspora environments often foster multilingual interactions, which facilitate the adoption of foreign affixes and compounding strategies (Eze, 2023). These borrowed elements can result in innovative word formations that diverge from standard Igbo morphology, reflecting both cultural adaptation and linguistic resilience (Nwaogu, 2024). Social networks, educational backgrounds, and media consumption play pivotal roles in shaping these morphological adjustments. The study employs interviews, recordings, and corpus analysis to document the extent and nature of morphological borrowing among Igbo diaspora speakers. In doing so, it aims to reveal how migration and contact with other languages contribute to the evolution of Igbo, while also addressing challenges related to language preservation and identity (Uche, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although morphological borrowing in Igbo is common among diaspora communities, systematic research on its effects on word formation is limited. Preliminary observations suggest that diaspora speakers incorporate foreign morphemes in ways that alter traditional inflectional and derivational processes (Eze, 2023). This lack of detailed analysis hinders efforts to understand the impact of language contact on Igbo morphology and to develop strategies for preserving linguistic heritage. The variability in borrowing practices across different diaspora communities further complicates the picture, making it difficult to establish normative patterns (Nwaogu, 2024). Addressing these issues is essential for both academic research and the formulation of effective language maintenance policies (Uche, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To document instances of morphological borrowing in Igbo among diaspora communities.
To analyze the impact of borrowed morphemes on traditional Igbo word formation.
To evaluate the sociolinguistic factors influencing morphological borrowing.
Research questions:
What are the common patterns of morphological borrowing in Igbo diaspora speech?
How do borrowed morphemes affect traditional word-formation processes?
What social factors influence the extent of morphological borrowing?
Research Hypotheses:
Morphological borrowing significantly alters traditional Igbo word formation.
Diaspora speakers exhibit higher rates of borrowing compared to homeland speakers.
Social integration and media exposure mediate the borrowing process.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it examines the influence of migration on Igbo morphology, offering insights into language evolution and cultural identity among diaspora communities. The findings will support efforts to document and preserve traditional Igbo linguistic structures (Eze, 2023; Uche, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to examining morphological borrowing in Igbo among diaspora communities. It focuses exclusively on morphological changes and does not address broader sociolinguistic issues.
Definitions of terms:
Morphological Borrowing: The adoption of morphemes from one language into another.
Diaspora: Communities of people living outside their ancestral homeland.
Igbo: An indigenous language spoken predominantly in southeastern Nigeria.
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