Codeswitching in Igbo-English Bilingualism: A Matrix Language Frame Account

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Codeswitching occurs when multilingual speakers embed elements of more than one language into the dominant (or Matrix) language within individual utterances of conversation. Codeswitching in Igbo-English Bilingualism explores the syntax of bilingual codeswitching between the Benue-Congo African language of Igbo and English. Within the framework of Myers-Scottons highly influential Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model, Kelechukwu Ihemere explores the notion of asymmetry in Igbo-English codeswitching, arguing that the two languages do not contribute equally in the creation of mixed utterances. In the abstract interaction between the two grammars, the Matrix language is more activated than the Embedded language, resulting in either monolingual Igbo discourse or discourse with an Igbo morphosyntactic frame but with English insertions. Using both linguistic and quantitative analyses, this book uniquely investigates the governing principles and restrictions on bilingual clauses and grammatical codeswitching in the context of a West African language and English. Providing a detailed descriptive and theoretical investigation of Igbo-English data and a deeper analysis of the MLF model, this book will be of interest to anyone working in the fields of comparative syntax, bilingualism and contact linguistics.

Reviews

This book is the first truly comprehensive study of Igbo-English intrasentential code-switching set against the backdrop of the Matrix Language Frame model. As such, its a landmark in our understanding of language contact phenomena which is bound to become an increasingly hot topic as migration from areas like West Africa to Europe reaches new heights. -- Karen Corrigan, Professor of Linguistics and English Language, Newcastle University, UK
This is a major contribution to language contact scholarship in particular and sociolinguistics in general. The discussions in the monograph benefit richly from insider understanding not only of the structures of Igbo language but also of the complex dynamics of Igbo interaction with English in multilingual contexts. Ihemere's lucid writing will endear readers to the work. -- Tope Omoniyi, Professor of Sociolinguistics and Director of the Centre for English Language and Linguistics, University of Roehampton, UK

Author Bio

Kelechukwu Ihemere is Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Westminster, UK.