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.
DOI: 10.36349/zamijoh.2025.v03i01.011
author/Felix Mani Wang PhD, Unigwe Chinyereme & Hajara Dangaji1
journal/Zamfara IJOH Vol. 3, Issue 1
