Background of the study
Online code mixing, where speakers blend elements of multiple languages, is a common phenomenon in Nigerian digital communication. WhatsApp group chats provide a rich context for observing this practice, as users engage in spontaneous, informal exchanges that frequently combine indigenous languages with English or Pidgin English (Obi, 2023). In these settings, code mixing is not only a communicative strategy but also a marker of cultural identity and group solidarity. This study investigates the patterns and motivations behind code mixing in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats. It examines how the immediacy and intimacy of group chats foster linguistic innovation and influence language choice, thereby contributing to digital bilingualism. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of chat transcripts, the research aims to provide a detailed account of code mixing practices, exploring the sociolinguistic factors that drive this phenomenon and its implications for language evolution in digital contexts (Ibrahim, 2024; Adeola, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Although code mixing is widely observed in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats, there is limited research that systematically analyzes its linguistic features and social implications. Existing studies often address broader aspects of digital communication without focusing on the intricacies of language blending in group chats. This gap limits our understanding of how digital bilingualism functions in informal settings and hinders the development of strategies for effectively addressing multilingual communication challenges in educational and policy contexts (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To document code mixing patterns in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats.
• To identify the sociolinguistic factors driving these practices.
• To assess the impact of code mixing on digital communication.
Research questions
• What are the common patterns of code mixing in WhatsApp group chats?
• What factors influence language choice in these chats?
• How does code mixing affect group communication?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines online code mixing in Nigerian WhatsApp group chats, offering insights into digital bilingualism and informing language policy and education. The findings will support a deeper understanding of multilingual practices in digital contexts (Ibrahim, 2024; Adeola, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to WhatsApp group chats among Nigerian users; it does not extend to other platforms or offline interactions.
Definitions of terms
• Code Mixing: The blending of linguistic elements from different languages.
• Digital Bilingualism: The use of multiple languages in online communication.
• Group Chats: Multi participant conversations on messaging platforms.
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