Cite this article as: Wang F. M., Chinyereme U. & Dangaji H. (2025). Code-Switching and Code-Mixing in the Two Novels of Zaynab Alkali: “The Still Born” and “The Virtuous Woman”. Zamfara International Journal of Humanities, 3(1), 101-110. www.doi.org/10.36349/zamijoh.2025.v03i01.011
CODE-SWITCHING AND CODE-MIXING IN THE TWO NOVELS OF
ZAYNAB ALKALI: “THE STILL BORN” AND “THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN”
Felix Mani Wang PhD
Unigwe Chinyereme
Hajara Dangaji
Department of Primary Education, Federal University of
Education, Zaria
Abstract:
The study is an
investigation of code- mixing and code switching in two novels of Zaynab Alkali
“The Virtuous Woman” and “The Still Born”. The aim of the study is to unveil
the motivation for the use of code-switching and code-mixing in the two texts,
their types and how they contributed to the understanding of the texts. The
paper uses the sociolinguistic approach which is a theory that seeks to answer
questions as to why code-switching and code-mixing occur in the text and the
motivation behind its uses. The method of collecting the data is based on
content analysis of the texts which is more of a qualitative method of
collection of data. The study shows that there is so much use of code-switching
and code-mixing in the texts, varying from single word, phrases and few
sentences. These are mostly from Hausa language and a little from Yoruba
language and much of Islamic words. The motivation for the use of
code-switching and code-mixing is understood by the researcher to be based on
the author’s sociolinguistic and cultural background. The paper recommends that
code-switching and code-mixing should be encouraged by African writers to
showcase African identity, uniqueness, aesthetic and to add color to the text.
It is also important that there should be the use of in text translation of the
code switched or code mixed to, for better understanding of the text. Key
words: coed-switching and code-mixing, the motivation for the use of
code-switching and code-mixing and reasons for using code-mixing and code-switching.
Introduction
Code is a term used to describe a language, language
variety or a style of language used. Brezjanovic-Shogren, (2002) support this
and asserts that “code” is an umbrella term for languages, dialects etc. Switch
of languages can be seen as a term that signifies system use by bilingual
speakers- hearers in every speech community. Thus, code- switch and code-
mixing are characteristics of language contact within a speech community. It is
multidimensional and multidiscipline (Aishami 2020). Language contact can be as
a result of migration, education, colonization etc. and this can lead to
bilingualism, multilingualism, pidgin and Creole. The study of code- switching
and code- mixing in the two novels of Zaynab Alkali is done to reveal how the
northern female writer has made use of code switch and code mixing in her texts
to give a better understanding of the texts to her readers.
Zaynab Alkali like most African writers made
use of code-switching and code-mixing as a powerful strategy to reveal the
experience, social, cultural setting and status of her characters. As
Otegbale,Tonukar, and Ubiri, (2023) observe
that code- switching and code- mixing used as CS and CM subsequently are
powerful linguistic strategy existing in all linguistic communities of the
world especially bilingual communities. Zaynab Alkali has the above
characteristics as shown in her novels. They further affirm in Amuda (1986)
that “code alternative is one of the literary features that many of the
bilingual African writers employ to narrate their stories or dramas”. The
writers switch from language of narration to another for reason of stylistic or
literary effect. Zaynab as an African writer used much of CM and CS in her
novels. The aim of the study is to find out the motivation for CM and CS in the
two novels. It investigates the situation that leads to CS and CM, the
characters inved, what language did she code- switch and code- mix to and why.
CS and CM cannot be said to be a virgin areas
of study because many linguists have made much researches of different types
and from different perspectives. For example, Bandia, (1996) studied code-
switching and code- mixing in African creative writing: some insight to
translation studies. His study reveals that African creative writers make use
of CS and CM in their writing especially when they lack similar words or
expression in the language they are writing and that constitutes a problem to
the African readers who do not share the same language with the writers and
European readers. Otegbale, Tonukar and Ubiri, (2023) studied CM and CS for
foregrounding techniques in Ojo Ade and Sanusi’s selected novels. The study
shows that the writers make use of CM and CS in the form of proverbs to express
or emphasis a specific thematic thrust. They also reveal that it is used to
show the polyglot nature of the author and as a stylistic significance. Ennin
and Afful (2015) studied stylistic technique of CS and CM in three African
novels. Their study shows that when African writers cannot find direct
equivalent of words in English, they resort to African words, folk lore,
proverbs and rhythm in their own languages. Also Oleh (2012) researched into CM
and CS in (Communication) Learning. The result shows that there is general
perspective on CM and CS, and that the major focus in sociolinguistic is on
social motivation: Ashami (2020) studied CM and CS communication in learning.
His study reveals that CS and CM are incorporated into teaching and learning to
enhance understanding but when much of it is used, it can prevent mutual
intelligibility. Similarly, Brezjanovic-shogren, (2002) analyzed CM and CS
among bilingual children: two case studies of Serbian English interaction. The
study shows that most common motivation of CS and CM is solidarity, reference,
directive and reactive to positive/ negative face and powers. Jabeen and Ahmed
(2023) make a study of CM and CS among English language learners; A case study
of the university of Sahiwa. The study shows that CM and CS can impede the
acquisition of language skills and make it more difficult for speakers and
learners to understand each other. There is no study on the novel of Zaynab
Alkali to the best of the researcher’s knowledge so the work will add knowledge
to the existing one and open more researches into the novels.
Literature
Review
The research makes a literature review
considering the following: Definition of CS and CM, levels of CM and CS,
motivation for the use of CS and CM, and reasons of CS and CM.
Definition
of Code-Switching and Code-Mixing
The terms CS and CM are related terms that
some linguists believed can be used interchangeably. Aishami, (2020) in Eastman
(1992) and Scotten (1992) are of the view that there is no any distinction
between CM and CS. There are others who believed the two terms are different. Aishami,
(2020) also cites kackru (1982) who feels that CS and CM should be treated
differently. One thing that is clear about the two terms is that they are
languages that come into being as a result of contact. Therefore, Ennin and Affu
(2015) opine that CS and CM are resultant of contact linguistics and that the
two have a symbiotic relationship. That means they have a relationship that is
complementary. However, an attempt is made is to give a brief definition and
description of each.
Linguists have defined CS in many different
ways. Bandia, (1996) describes CS as language borrowing, interference,
transfer, shift, relexification, pidgin and Creole. This means that any
deviation from the standard language used by any of the processes above is CS.
He further said that CS is “juxtaposition within the same speech exchange of
passages of speech belonging to different speech system or sub- system,
(Gumperz 1982:59). Laying their voices to the definition of CS and CM Otegbale,
Tonukar and Ubiri (2023) in Ogundokun (2013) said CS inves moving from one
language (linguistic code) to another in an utterance or discourse. This is
right but it did not show that level of linguistic item that can be moved from
one utterance to another. Annin and Affu (2015) believed that CS is one of the
major indications of contact language and they define CS in Lyon (1977) as “
the ability of a language or speech community to pass one dialect or variety of
a language to another according to the situation of the utterance. The
definition here treats CS as a language community affair but it can be done by
an individual speaker or writer. They further state that CS is the use of two
or more languages in the same conversation or utterance or the act of
alternation of two or more languages within a single discourse on a constituent
( Poplack 1980:58). This is true but it is important to add that the
alternation can be a word, phrase, clause or sentence. Also Oleh, (2012)
observes that CS is a widely observed phenomenon in multilingual and
multicultural communities. He states that “it is a term for alternative use of
two languages, varieties of a language or even speech style” ( Hymes 1974) Oleh
adds in Bokamba, (1989) that CS can be a mixing of words, or phrases from two
distinct grammatical (sub) systems across sentence boundaries within the same
speech event. The definition above stresses the importance of inter- sentential
boundary of the switch of the code which is one characteristics of CS as
observed by many linguists. Jabeen, Hassan and Ahmed (2023) made additional
clarification into the definition. They observe that it is “the situation where
several dialects are utilized in a simple discussion or form of communication”.
In other words, CS may not be limited to only alteration of two languages or
dialects but several types. The summary of the definition of CS is that it is
the switching of two or more codes (language, dialect, style or any other
deviation from the norms) in order to add aesthetic, emphasis or any other motivated
purpose for the understanding of the reader. It is mostly across sentence
boundary in a form of a word, phrase, clause or any sentence which is done by a
bilingual, a multilingual or multicultural speaker or writer.
CM is the switching of codes within a speech
act, an utterance or speech event within a sentence. It is referred to as
mixing of codes that is intra-sentential. Bandia, (1996) agrees with this and
affirms that ‘’CM is a term used for intra-sentential switch.’’ similarly,
Otegbale, Tonukar and Ubiri (2012) state that CM “inves the use of two or more
codes ( languages) In a sentence or an utterance”. Ennin and Aful, (2015)
describe CM as “the alternate use of constituents of a language within a
sentence. It is altering of especially grammatical rules of one language to the
other and it is intra- sentential. The emphasis here is that code mixing is
within the same sentence. The explanation of CM by Brezjanovic- shagren, (2002)
seems to be more explicit as he asserts that it is the embedding of various
linguistic units such as affixes (bound morphemes), words (unbound morphemes),
phrases and clauses that participants use in order to infer what is intended,
must reconcile what they hear with what they understand ( Bollamba, 1989)
The distinction between CS and CM seems to be
a thin line as can be seen from the analysis. It is because of this perhaps
that many linguists object the differences between the two and therefore use
them interchangeably. Aishami (2020) in Gardner (2009) declares that “there is
no general consensus or agreement concerning the two language contact situation
of CS and CM. furthermore, Aishami (ibid) in Hill and Hill, (1980: 122),
Scotton, (1992) and Eastman, (1992) among many others did not see any
distinction between CS and CM and that is the position that is held in this
paper so the two terms will be used interchangeably in the analysis of the
data.
Types of
Code Switching
CS and CM take place at the different levels
of linguistic description. Bandia (1996), olagbale, Tonukar and Ubiri, (2023)
list the following ways that CS and CM can take place.
i. Tag- switching: this is the insertion of a
tag in one language or an utterance which is otherwise in another language.
ii. Inter- sentential: it inves switch at the
sentence or clause boundary where each clause or sentence is on another
language.
iii. Intra- sentential: this inves switching of
different types which occur in a sentence or clause boundary.
While Oleh (2012) supports the types of CS
above, he gives further clarifications. He adds that for tag- code switching,
there is emblematic which takes the form of intra- sentential CS where
categorical equivalents exist between the two languages inved. Oleh (2012) adds
a fourth type of CS which is intra- word CS: this is the CS that occurs within
a word boundary. Thus there are four ways that CS and CM can take place: Tag
code switch which has emblematic CS, inter sentential CS, intra sentential CS
and inter word CS.
There are also two types of CS identified by
Ennin and Afful, (2015). They are situational and conversational. Aishami,
(2020) in Blum and Gumperz, (1972) identifies them as situational and
metaphorical.
i. SITUATIONAL: this concerns variation in language choice which can be
influenced by change in participants, logic or setting. Ennin and Afful, (2015)
in Skovade (2007) and Finch, (2000) explain that it occurs when language switch
occurs with a change of interlocutors, setting or topic. This means the change
of situation can determine the speech act or utterance.
ii. METAPHORICAL
OR CONVERSATIONAL: it concerns with variation in language
choice or change in a conversation to assist conversational act as request,
refusal, complain or apology. It can vary according to discourse function e.g
to exclude someone or to show intimacy or to emphasis an idea (Wardhaugh,
(1998). He adds that metaphorical has an effective dimension that speakers act
according to the situation: seriousness or humour, official or personal, formal
or informal, politeness or solidarity. These are very important types of CM and
CS that can be found in a text and are very relevant to the paper. The
researcher will therefore attempt to find out the types of CM or CS that the
texts understudy made use of.
Motivation for Code Switching and Code Mixing
There are many factors that make speakers or writers to
switch from one code to another. BrezJanovic- shogen, (2002) in Appel and
Muyskep, (1987) in Jacobson, (1960) and Halliday (1964) list six functions
where code can occur:
i. The referential function: this inves lack of
knowledge of one language or facility in that language on a certain subject.
ii. The directive function: this inves the
“hearer directly” hence a participant in a conversation can be excluded or
included by employing the language familiar or unfamiliar to the speaker.
iii. Expressive function as discussed in Poplack,
(1980) the speaker switches code in order to express their mixed identity.
iv. The “change of the conversation” may be
explained by phatic function also known as metaphorical function.
v. Meta linguistic function is employed when the
speaker makes direct/ indirect comment on language use in conversation usually
to impress the other participant with a show of linguistic skills.
vi. Poetic function: this is inved in “switched
puns, jokes etc.
Other significant contributors on the
motivation of the use of CS and CM are Oleh, (2012), otegbale ,Tonukar and
Ubiri, (2023) and Bandia, (1996)
They assert that most common forms of CS and
CM are between African languages and European languages. This it true and they
are motivated by the following:
i. To signal social discourse and referential
meaning in a text.
ii. They are used when a language user does not
find an adequate word to express in certain subjects in the language he is
using.
iii. The main motivational use of CS and CM is
especially native words and expressions in their socio cultural values and
relevance.
iv. The use of native words in a text adds colour
to the text and enriches it from a stylistic point of view.
v. Some CS may take the form of a proverbial
expression to emphasis a thematic thrust.
vi. They are used to show the polyglot nature of
the writer.
vii.
It
can be used to reflect the writer’s socio cultural, ethical and moral issues in
the African continent.
viii.
It
can be used to manipulate or influence or define the situation to convey
nuances of meaning and personal intention. Bandia (1996) gives some
paralinguistic functions of code switching which are:
i.
IDENTITY:
it is used to show solidarity, kinship and other types of group membership.
ii.
FOCUSSING:
this is the use of language to isolate the addressee as the sole intended
listener to the utterance in question.
iii. DISTANCE: this has the force of saying to the listener that you
are outside (excluded), young or old.
iv. FOREGROUNDING: it is the use of CS or CM in a speech interaction to
appeal to one person or to showcase or highlight something. It is the opposite
of neutralizing the effect the message would have if carried in another code
As it is stated by Bandia (ibid), code
switching held a central place as a paradigmatic example of systematic
linguistically stricken and socially meaningful linguistic variation (Gal 1988:
245). It is used by post-colonial African writers to show their mixed identity
between the adopted colonial language and the local or native languages. CS is
used to show how people respond symbolically to the relationship of dominance
between groups with the state and how they understand their historic positions
(Bandia 1996). He further opines the CS and CM is seen as a resistance to the
language of domination, a response to unequal power relation in post-colonial
African setting and this led to the creation of a hybrid language such as
pidgin and creole.
Reasons
for Using CS and CM
There are many reasons why people speaking or
writing in one code easily switch to another. Oleh, (2012) incites Crystal who
gives some of these reasons:
i. The speaker may not be able to explain
himself in one language so he switches to another one.
ii. The speaker may wish to express solidarity
with a particular person or social group. This helps to establish good report
and can be used to exclude others from the conversation.
iii. It could be that the speaker wishes to convey
his attitude to the listener.
iv. It can be for convenience instead of thinking
of an appropriate word in the code used.
v. It could be used by the minority to retain
cultural identity.
vi. It could be to shift footing ( Goftman, 1979)
or context ( Gumperz, 1982)
vii.
It
is based on the use of sociolinguistics such as the speaker, the listener or
participant, the changing condition because of a third party, the changing from
the formal to informal and the changing of topic (Fishman, Chaer and Leony ),
the paper will delve into the reasons why CS and CM have been used in the two
novels of Zaynab Alkali and explain them with evidence from the two texts.
Theoretical
Framework of the Study
The theoretical framework is the
sociolinguistic approach which asks questions as to why CS and CM occur in a
text (s) and what is the motivation force or the driving force of the bilingual
or multilingual behavior. (in Brezjanovic- shogren 2012).
Method of
Data Analysis
The study is very much based on content
analysis so there is much review of the variables in the topic and an in-depth
study of the two texts by Zaynab Alkali. This has helped to extract excerpts
that inved code- switching and code- mixing so that interpretations are made
about their occurrence in the text in line with the theoretical framework and
the objectives of the study. The instrument used for the gathering of the data
is a qualitative method which is based on the proper reading of the text. The excerpts
from the texts are written and well interpreted.
Data
Analysis
The analysis is done to reveal the motivation
of the switch of the code and why it is done by the author of the two texts.
There are code switching and code mixing in the texts which is switching
between English language and the African language as stated by Bandia (1996).
Thus the data analysis is based on the following motivation of CS and CM in the
texts:
-
The
social status of the characters.
-
The
socio cultural background of the author and possibly to show the importance of
the native language.
-
Africanizing
the English language.
-
To
exclaim.
-
The
use of proverbs to show thematic thrust and to teach a moral lesson in the
native language.
-
The
intrusion of some Islamic terms to show the religious background of the author.
Social
Status of the Characters
Many African writers use CS and CM because of
their socio cultural relevance. In other words, it is used to show the social
status and role the characters play in the texts. There examples of that in the
texts under study.
EXTRACT (1)
The two girls were the ones admitted into
“co’legi of ingile”. The term college of England is badly pronounced because of
the illiteracy of the parents who were discussing with joy that the two girls
got admission into a prestigious secondary school. This found in page 4 of “The
Virtuous Woman”.
EXTRACT (2)
Don’t you know “elizebet sukul of ingile?” p
4 of “The Virtuous Woman”. The illiterate parents in the continuation of the
success of the two girls mentioned “Elizabeth school of England” as written
above. This made it to match their status in the society they live.
EXTRACT (3)
“he is in the “ camaru” the man said, page 96
of “The Still Born”. This is a statement of a security man who is informing Li
that her visitor is in the common room. He pronounces common room as one word
as it is above because of his status as one who might not be literate.
The Socio Cultural Background of the Author
African writers use CS and CM to show their
socio cultural background and to show their polyglot nature ( Otegbale, Tonukar
and Ubiri, 2023). There are such evidences in the two texts.
EXTRACT (4)
“Zuma” popularly known as “gidan zuma -”
honey castle. P 1. Of “The Virtuous Woman” “zuma and gidan zuma” is a code
switched from English to Hausa language. It is the setting (a village) in which
the story of the text is unfolded. The author switched to show her socio
cultural background as a Hausa speaker or native.
EXTRACT (5)
The provisional headquarters was in “ Birnin
Adama” p2 of “The Virtuous Woman”. The phrase Birnin Adama in Hausa means the
city of Adama.
EXTRACT (6)
He wore richly embroiled “kaftan” p 26 of
“The Virtuous Woman”. There is a code mixing in the word “kaftan” which is used
to describe the type of dress that most men in the north wear.
EXTRACT (7)
The slogan on the side of the lorry reads
“hakuri”- patience, the other one was labeled “Allah tsarki” and the other one
“Allah kiyaye”. Hakuri , Allah tsarki and Allah kiyaye are all code switched
into Hausa language which means patience, God is king and God will protect
respectively. All of these expressions are indicating the polyglot nature of
the author.
EXTRACT (8)
Can you remember what “mama” said about you?
P4 of “The Still Born”. “ na’am” she answered politely p28. The “kalangu”
drummer p28. He replied and “salaamed” at the door p64. The words that have CM
are “mama” a word for mother, “na’am” which means yes, “salaamed” which is a
word for greeting meaning peace unto the people. All the words and phrases
switched are probably meant to identify with her Hausa speakers or used as a
stylistic device to add color to the text.
Africanizing
the English Language
The Africanization of the English language is
what Chinua Achebe and many of his colleagues believed should be done by
African writers. This, they opined will identify African writing as coming out
of Africa. There are instances of such uses in the texts studied
EXTRACT (9)
The college of the women- chief of the
whites. p30 of “The Virtuous Woman”. “in the college- of- the- chief” where
children of the rich and the royal blood go p3. The clan of the “women –chief”
are the only people allowed to teach p4. It poured by the guard as our people
will say. P38. “The gods are not asleep” some will say. The chief –of –the
–whites is an African way of saying that the college is for the rulers of the
whites “the- college- of- the -chief” is meant to be the college of leaders.
“women- chief” is meant to be leaders of women. “it poured by the guard” is the
African or Hausa way of saying there was a heavy rain. “The gods are not
asleep” is the African way or belief that the gods have control of all things.
There are some examples of such usage in “The
Still Born”.
EXTRACT (10)
You should have been called “timbili” the pit
woman” p5. “she-man”with the head of man and the finish of a woman p52 Awa
replied “yes” “daughters of my mother.” As she was raining insults following
her “unsaddled horse”, “the vulture that isn’t any body’s chicken”, “the rich
man’s playing thing” p85. The phrase, the pitwoman is saying that the woman is
dirty, daughter- of- my- mother means that you are my mother’s daughter. “The
unsaddled horse”, “the vulture that is no body’s chicken” and “the rich man’s
playing thing” are derogatory words to describe a loose woman or a prostitute.
The use
of Proverbs
A lot of proverbs are code switched and code
mixed in African literary texts. This is because Africans use a lot of proverbs
to explain a thematic thrust or make a point. Achebe understands so much of it
that he said proverbs are like palm oil with which words are eaten. Evidence of
it are in the two texts.
EXTRACT (11)
It can’t be that bad “the sun must shine
tomorrow”. P80 in “The Virtuous Woman”. “you will burn your oil fast; the child
has a lot of growing up to do” p63. In the first proverb, the speaker is
comforting the addressee that he should not worry because there will always be
a tomorrow. In the second one the speaker is instructing the addressee of the
need to be careful in order not to run faster than his knowledge.
EXTRACT 12
This is taken from “The Still Born”
“the lion’s cub takes after it’s mother” p38
Awa nodded, amused, “the chick telling the hen what to do” p15. The man
enthused, “she has got the stomach of the pumpkin” p60. “patience… does not
sour” as our people say… a patient person can cook a rock and drink the soup
p73. “The ground is still brown and unyielding, not until it is covered with
green will I come to the village” p80. The first proverb is saying that the
child resembles the mother, the second is saying that the young should not tell
the old what to do in important matters. The third proverb means that the woman
is fruitful and can bear many children. The fourth one means that a patient
person cannot be disappointed no matter how long, patience will always pay.
EXCLAIMATION
Many CS and CM are used in the text to
indicate exclamation. There are many instances in the texts under study.
Extract
13.
These are found in “The Virtuous Woman”. Amin! grandfather she replied P13 Ah-ha! he exclaimed P32. lai,lai! The driver’s mate exclaimed. Umm!
The
woman granted doubtful, P53 oh Allah!
not another storm P65. Olele at eko aeo!
CS and CM used as exclamation vary from Hausa language, religious words to
Yoruba language.
Extract
14.
This is found in “The Still Born,’’ Waiyo! I am dying of cold P14. Allah! That is an idea P21. Ahhah! I told you. You baba mai gadi!
In the
extract above, CS and CM used as exclamation vary from Hausa single words to
phrases and they are probably used to reflect the socio linguistic back ground
of the author.
Intrusion
of Islamic Religious Terms.
Much of CS and CM used in the text are
Islamic religious words or phrases.
Extract
15 is found in “The Virtuous Woman.”
‘’Amin!’’ grandfather, she replied P13, they
left the provisional Headquarters after “Azahar
prayers” P34. the driver stopped to allow Muslim passengers to say their’’ La’asar prayers’’ P38``Oh Allah’’! not
another stormP65.
All words and phrases italicized are Islamic
words often used by Muslims.
Extract-1
These extracts are found in “The Still Born.”
‘Allah’’ this is a good idea. ‘salaamed’’ at the gateP.65’may Allah forgive you ‘’ 72.
The words and sentences italicized are
employed by Muslim faithful as the occasion demands.
Discussion
of Finding
It obvious from the study that Zaynab Akali
used CM and CM in the two texts from the understanding of the paper, the
motivation of the use of CS and CM as it is in many African novels is to show
her sociolinguistic background, her socio cultural background and her religious
inclination. CS and CM have also been used in the text to show how she
Africanized the English language by using it in a direct way that Africans
express their experiences. This is seen in CS and CM to proverbs and the
intrusion of some Islamic terms into the two texts. CS and CM are used to
indicate how Hausas and many Africans exclaim when the situation calls for it.
Extract 1-2 show how characters that are not much literate mispronounced the
English language to approximate it to the way it should be, extract 4-8 are
examples of how the author used CS and CM words of Hausa language into the
English language to show her polyglot nature, identify with her group and show
her sociolinguistic background. Extract 9 and 10 revealed the Africanization of
the English language by the author which is a characteristic of many African
writers. Also extract 11-12 signal the use of proverbs which is a common
expression in the African languages to drive home a particular point, teach
morals and show the wisdom of adults. In the same way, extract 13 and 14
manifested how CS and CM can be used to exclaim in the texts and extract 15 and
16 are revelation that an author’s religious background can be seen consciously
or un consciously in his or her text because in Africa, religion is part of our
beliefs.
CONCLUSION
The author of the two novels “The Virtuous
Woman” and “The Still Born” Zaynab Alkali probably the first female novelist
from northern Nigeria has demonstrated the use of CS and CM in many ways. The
motivation of CS and CM in the texts are many. But from this paper’s view, it
varies from her sociolinguistic background, sociocultural background and
religious setting which are all shown in the text. The result of the study is
similar to that of Bandia, (1996) whose result shows that African writers use
CM and CS when they lack similar words or expression in the English language.
It is also similar to Otegbale, Tunukar and Ubiri, (2023) whose study reveals
that African writers make use of CS and CM in the form of proverbs and it is
also similar to Bebzjanovic- shogren, (2002) who said most common CS and CM
used is motivated by the need for solidarity, references and directives. The
study however, differs from the above by using CS and CM word or language in
the way Africans express themselves directly. She also uses CS and CM in Hausa
language not only to identify with her people but to show her polyglot nature.
There is also intrusion of Islamic words to show her religious background.
Thus, the study can be said to contribute to the existing knowledge in the
field of socio linguistics.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The study of the two texts by Zaynab Alkali
has been an exciting experience. Therefore, the following recommendations are
made:
When writers of novels code-mixed and
code-switched to African languages or any other, it will be important for
in-text translation so that readers outside that language will not have problem
in understanding the text.
There should be the encouragement of studying
our indigenous languages including that of our neighbors so that there will be
a proper understanding of CS and CM in a text.
African writers and others can employ CS and
CM in their writing not just because of their socio linguistic background but
to add to the aesthetic and color of the text.
The African writers can Africanize the
English language as much as possible as Chinua Achebe did in most of his novels
so that readers will be in tune with their African experiences and that will
give the text the distinctiveness of an African identity.
REFERENCES
1. Alkali, Z.
(1984) The Still Born. keja: Longman
group limited.
2. Alkali, Z The
Virtuous Woman. Ikeja: Longman group limited.
3. Aishami, I (2020). Ministry of Higher
Education, University of Misan, College of Education, English Department, M.A
course in linguistics at https://www.research gate. Net/dulvication/353447381- code- switching and
code-mixing. Retrieved on the 21 July 2024.
4. Bandia, P (1996). Code- Switching and Code- Mixing in African Creative Writing: Some
Insight for Translation Studies in TTR: Tradition Terminologies. Redaction 9
no.1 p 136-153 at URL:HTTP//id. Erudite. Org/iderudity 03724car. Retrieved on
the 15th july 2024.
5. Brezjanovic-shogren, B B (2024). Analysis of Code- Switching and Code-
Mixing among Bilingual Children: Two Cases of Serbian Interaction. A
Wichita State University, Master’s Thesis.
6. Ennin, T and Affu, I (2015). Stylistic
Significance of Code- Mixing and Code -Switching in Three African Novels,
Department of English, University of Cape Coast Ghana at
https://www.researchgate.net/get/publication/3189/2520-stylistic-
significance- of- code- switching- and-- code mixing. Retrieved on the 29th
July, 2024.
7. Jabeen, M, Hassan, W and Ahmed, S (2023). Code- witching and code- Mixing problems
among Language learners. A Case Study of the University of SAHIWAL at
https//www.research gate.net/publication/376160698- code – switching- code –
mixing problems -language-leaners. Retrieved on the 20th July, 2024.
8. Oleh, A, M, W (2012). Code- Switching and Code Mixing (Culmination in Learning) at
https:/media.neliti.com/media/publication/77106-EN-code-switching-and
-Code-mixing. Communication. Retrieved on the 29th, July 2024.
9. Otegbale, T S, Tonukar,IE and Ubiri, V (2023). Department of Languages and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts, Delta State University. Code- Switching and Code -Mixing as Foregrounding Techniques in 0jo-Ade and Sanusi’s Selected Novels in International Journal of Arts, Language, Linguistics and Literary studies (JOLLS) 12,20
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