An investigation of the semantic implications of code-switching in Yoruba-English discourse in Lagos
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Background of the study
Code-switching—the practice of alternating between two languages within a single conversation—is a common phenomenon in multilingual societies. In Lagos, speakers frequently switch between Yoruba and English, a practice that has significant semantic implications. This study investigates how code-switching influences meaning construction in Yoruba-English discourse, examining the shifts in lexical semantics, contextual meaning, and cultural connotations. Observations of casual conversations, media interviews, and online interactions indicate that code-switching enables speakers to draw on a broader array of semantic resources, but it may also lead to ambiguities or semantic dilution when the languages have divergent conceptual frameworks (Okeke, 2023). The research employs discourse analysis and participant observation to trace how meaning is negotiated and reinterpreted in mixed-language settings. By focusing on real-life communicative instances, the study seeks to understand the cognitive and social processes that underlie code-switching and its impact on semantic clarity and cultural identity in Lagos (Chinwe, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Although code-switching is prevalent in Yoruba-English discourse, its semantic implications remain underexplored. Preliminary data indicate that frequent language alternation may introduce ambiguity and alter meaning, complicating effective communication. This study aims to systematically analyze the semantic consequences of code-switching to improve understanding of its effects on language and identity.
Objectives of the study
- To document patterns of code-switching in Yoruba-English discourse.
- To analyze the semantic changes induced by code-switching.
- To assess the impact of these changes on communicative clarity.
Research questions
- How does code-switching affect meaning in Yoruba-English conversations?
- What semantic shifts occur during language alternation?
- How do speakers negotiate meaning in mixed-language discourse?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it illuminates the complex semantic dynamics of code-switching in a multilingual urban context. Its findings will assist educators, linguists, and communication experts in developing strategies to enhance clarity and cultural identity in bilingual interactions.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to analyzing semantic implications of code-switching in Yoruba-English discourse in Lagos. It does not cover other language pairs or regions.
Definitions of terms
- Code-switching: The practice of alternating between two languages in conversation.
- Semantic Implications: The effects on meaning and interpretation.
- Yoruba-English Discourse: Communication involving both Yoruba and English languages.
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