Language choice, code-switching and Nigerian pidgin in modern market, Makurdi

Abstract

Market places are dynamic multilingual spaces where people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds interact daily for economic and social purposes. This research aims at investigating the sociolinguistic patterns of language use in Modern market, Makurdi. The study adopts a descriptive research design, combining qualitative analysis of language interactions with quantitative analysis of questionnaire responses. The primary methods of data collection were interview, questionnaire and participant observation while Dell Hymes’ Ethnography of Speaking and Erving Goffman's Interactionist Sociolinguistic Theory were deployed as the theoretical framework for analysis. The findings indicate that Pidgin English functions as the dominant lingua franca, while code-switching involving Tiv, Idoma, Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin is used strategically to build solidarity and have better price negotiation. The study concludes that language use in Modern market, Makurdi, is deliberate, context-sensitive and trade-driven.