Use of Codes: A Model of Language Shift in Nigerian Communication

Abstract

The predominance of code and bilingual usage among university students and the youths triggered the curiosity to investigate the preference for code choice/mix and its attendant problems, within Federal University of Technology, Owerri [FUTO]. There was random selection of statements made by the students within the university environment. This study shows the impact of language mix and switch among Igbo-English bilinguals. It also reviews how bilingualism manifests itself as interference in the second language (L2) situation. The study also brings to the fore the issue of language dependence of the Igbo/English bilingual. The study concludes by affirming that bilinguals should control influence on their code choice, to avoid becoming linguistic incompetent individuals in the future. The subjects of this study are Igbo students in the Information Management Technology (IMT) Department, of Federal University of Technology, Owerri.