An investigation of code-switching effects on syntax among Igbo-English bilinguals in Abuja
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- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Code-switching, the practice of alternating between two or more languages in conversation, has become a salient feature in bilingual communities. In Abuja, Igbo-English bilinguals frequently engage in code-switching, which impacts the syntactic structures of both languages (Umeh, 2023). This study investigates how code-switching influences syntactic patterns, focusing on structural modifications that occur when speakers switch languages. Recent research highlights that such linguistic alternations are not random but follow identifiable syntactic constraints and patterns (Ndukwe, 2024). The interaction between Igbo and English creates a dynamic linguistic environment where syntactic rules may be relaxed or reformulated. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including discourse analysis and experimental data, to explore the extent of syntactic influence due to code-switching. This approach provides insights into cognitive mechanisms underlying bilingual language processing and contributes to broader theories of language contact and syntactic adaptation (Okafor, 2025). By examining natural conversation and formal interviews, the study aims to delineate the specific syntactic shifts and identify the factors that promote or hinder structural convergence in bilingual discourse.
Statement of the problem
Although code-switching is a well-documented phenomenon among bilinguals, its impact on syntactic structures, particularly among Igbo-English speakers in Abuja, remains underexplored. Preliminary observations suggest that code-switching may lead to hybrid constructions that challenge conventional grammatical boundaries. This gap in understanding hinders the development of robust linguistic models that accurately reflect bilingual speech patterns. The study seeks to systematically document these syntactic modifications and determine how code-switching influences overall sentence structure. Addressing this problem is essential for advancing theoretical frameworks in bilingual syntax and for informing educational strategies that support bilingual proficiency.
Objectives of the study
- To analyze the syntactic effects of code-switching among Igbo-English bilinguals.
- To identify patterns and constraints in bilingual syntactic constructions.
- To evaluate the cognitive and social factors influencing code-switching practices.
Research questions
- What syntactic changes are observed when Igbo-English bilinguals switch codes?
- How do these changes affect overall sentence structure?
- What factors contribute to the variability in code-switching syntax?
Significance of the study
This study provides critical insights into the interplay between language contact and syntax. Its findings will enrich theoretical models of bilingual language use and have practical implications for language teaching and policy in multilingual contexts, particularly in Abuja (Eze, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to investigating the effects of code-switching on syntax among Igbo-English bilinguals in Abuja. It does not address other linguistic phenomena or bilingual populations from different regions.
Definitions of terms
- Code-switching: Alternating between two or more languages in a single conversation.
- Bilingualism: The ability to use two languages with fluency.
- Syntactic Modification: Changes in sentence structure resulting from language interaction.
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