Abstract

Code-switching is a language phenomenon that involves the use of two or more languages in conversations. It is used for several purposes, among which is to reveal cultural identity. The aim of this study is to observe Nigerians’ perception of code-switching and the identity they wish to create when they code-switch. Data were collected through questionnaire from twenty-one multilingual residents of Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The purposive sampling method was used to select only the respondents that speak more than one language. The collected data were quantitatively analysed and the findings showed that all the participants code-switch for different purposes, which include to reveal, maintain and negotiate cultural, social and professional identities. The participants also reveal that code-switching enables the exclusion of uninvited participants in communication as well as make it easy for them to interact. The study concludes that code-switching is a linguistic phenomenon that makes communication effective and efficient while marking the socio-cultural identity of the participants.

Keywords: code-switching, identity, culture, social identity theory

How to cite

Edem Ekaette Tommy (2026). Code-Switching: An Expression of Nigerian Socio-Cultural Identity. NATELCEP Journal of Languages and Communication Studies (NJLCS), 19(1), 1–8. https://www.natelcep.org/journal/articles/6aa867eb827155af40682c93