‘Make una listen o…’ Codeswitching as a means of accommodation among the Ẹdo-speaking people of Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the language situation in the Ẹdo state of Nigeria, with particular reference to how the people accommodate their interlocutors by adapting their speech through codeswitching. Examples gathered from empirical research are analysed and conclusions drawn regarding the reasons why and when the people, in particular the Binis, codeswitch to accommodate those with whom they speak. Like most of Nigeria, the Ẹdo state has been greatly influenced by the English language and its culture. This article focuses on Ẹdo-English and English-Ẹdo, as well as Pidgin English-Ẹdo and Ẹdo-Pidgin English codeswitching patterns and the social motivations that underly these patterns.

Keywords:

• accommodation
• codeswitching
• Edo-speakers
• English
• Nigeria
• social motivation