Code Mixings And Code Switching In Nigerian Movies

Code Mixings And Code Switching In Nigerian Movies

Chapitre One

Introduction In General

1.0 Background of the Research

Code mixing and switching are sociolinguistic phenomena that occur as a result of linguistic exchanges, particularly among bilinguals and multilinguals. Bilingual speakers use code switching as a communication method to attain specific communicative aim.

The shift of a speaker from one linguistic code to another is referred to as code switching. The phrase “code switching” refers to “the alternate use of two or more languages within the same utterance or during the same conversation,” according to Hoffmann (1991: 110).

The alternation of two or more languages in a speaker’s speech is known as code switching. It is the combination of two or more languages in a single conversational speech. The term code refers to a linguistic diversity that can be either a language or a variety of languages/dialects, style, or register. Various researchers have proposed various definitions of the terms code switching and code mixing. Ayeomoni (2006) defines code-switching as “the alternative use of two or more languages, varieties of a language, or even speech styles,” whereas Maschler (2008:125) defines code mixing or a mixed code as “the use of two languages such that a third, new code emerges, in which elements from the two languages are incorporated into a structurally definable pattern.”

Code-mixing and code-switching are common phenomena in bilingual cultures when speakers employ their first (L1) and second (L2) languages in distinct areas. However, it is not usually the case that each different language is utilized only in one domain. It is vital to familiarize both bilinguals and monolinguals with codes witching and code-mixing in order to help bilingual children avoid becoming confused with two languages and alienated in monolingual culture (Hua, 2008). Other people would benefit from learning about specific bilingual phenomena and attempting to accept the bilingual phenomena naturally, so that they could see how much social and cultural factors influence bilinguals’ language and learn how bilinguals and their monolingual interlocutors should lead to smooth conversation (Kim, 2006).

Jenifa’s Diary, on the other hand, is a Nigerian television comedy series developed by Funke Akindele. The series is part of the Jenifa franchise and is based on the same-named naive and amusing character. Jenifa’s Dairy has over 11 (maybe 13) seasons and is currently operational (Ikeke, Nkem, 2017). This series depicts the story of a native country girl who is anxious to escape her harsh way of life. In her desperation, she flees her town for Lagos in order to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. Despite the fact that her visa application was denied, she decided to stay in Lagos and live a better life. She eventually finds herself at the University of Lagos, thanks to the assistance of a lady she met, Toyo baby (Olayode Juliana) and Kiki (Lota Chukwu), who assist and accommodate her (Izuzu Chidumga, 2017).

This investigation focuses on “Code switching and Code-mixing” in selected Jenifa’s journal episodes. This study attempts to elucidate “how code switching and code mixing occur in selected Jenifa’s diary episodes?” This research will look at the differences between code switching and code mixing, as well as instances of code switching and code mixing in the text, and the underlying causes of such code chances.

1.2 Definition of the problem

A few research on bilingual English speakers have been conducted. Some research focus on how English code speakers swap and mix between multiple language codes in their daily dialogues or discussions. All of these research gathered their data from real-world situations. None of them looked into the use of code switch and dramatized utterances. Investigating code switching and code mixing in Jenifa’s Diary Episodes can help us figure out how these occurrences are used among Nigerians. This is the void that this research aims to fill.

1.3 Goals and objectives

This study will look into code switching and code mixing in selected Jenifa’s Diary episodes. This research aims to accomplish the following goals:

1. To investigate the languages utilized in film production in Nigeria, with a focus on Jenifa.

2. To evaluate the evidence of multilingual practice in Nollywood films using Jenifa’s diary as a case study.

3. To investigate the extent to which indigenous languages are used in the making of Nigerian films.

1.4 Scope of the Research

This research looks into code switching and code mixing in Nigerian movies, with an emphasis on Jenifa’s Diary episodes.

1.5 Importance of the research

The study will investigate the potential social significance of code switching and code mixing in a multilingual Nigerian TV soap opera. The study’s findings will contribute to a better understanding of the code switching and mixing phenomenon among Nigerian bilinguals. Finally, it is hoped that this work will serve as a resource for future research in this field.

1.6 Theoretical Structure

In order to produce the intended meaning, code-mixing in any language must take the context into account. Myers-Scotton addressed three distinct approaches that highlight bilinguals’ conversational options. The Conversational analysis, Communication accommodation theory, and Markedness model are among these models. Because it best stresses the causes for code-switching, Myers-Scotton’s Markedness model will be used in this study. In 1993, Myers-Scotton introduced this concept into the topic of language, initially focusing on the social motives for code-switching. She went on to define markedness as a model that attempts to construct a logical technique that both speakers and listeners may use to rate each linguistic decision they make or hear as more or less marked, depending on the interactions in which it happens. According to Myers-Scotton, not all speakers in the same community engage in the same CS behaviors, and those speakers do not make similar choices in their own code-switching practices because they have different perspectives on the costs and benefits of one choice over another. The Markedness Model, proposed by Myers-Scotton (1993:75), suggests that speakers have a sense of markedness regarding possible linguistic codes for every encounter, but choose their codes based on the persona and the relationship with others they prefer to have in place. The choosing of one linguistic variety above other possible and available variants is referred to as markedness. The speakers can choose between marked and unmarked options and are aware of the repercussions of either decision for any form of engagement. As a result, this model posits that speakers have a feeling of markedness in terms of the linguistic codes at their disposal for any engagement. They then select the codes they want to use based on the other participant(s) and/or their relationship with others.