Yoruba-English bilingualism in central Lagos - Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Yoruba-English bilingualism in central Lagos - Nigeria
Authors:	Adedun, Emmanuel Shodipe, Mojisola
Year:	2011
Periodical:	Journal of African Cultural Studies (ISSN 1369-6815)
Volume:	23
Issue:	2
Pages:	121-132
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	multilingualism Yoruba language Pidgin English urban population language history
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13696815.2011.637882
Abstract:	This article examines the language repertoire and linguistic behaviour of the inhabitants of Central Lagos in Nigeria. The Lagos Island speech community is a largely Yoruba community situated in the heart of Lagos city. It is noted that the linguistic composition of Lagos can be attributed to the history of language contact and the peculiar settlement pattern of various Lagos dwellers necessitated by a complex process of sociocultural integration, ethnic diffusion, and linguistic assimilation. The article identifies the factors that shape the linguistic character of the Lagos Island speech community as coagulation of Yoruba ethnic communities, influx of Nigerian linguistic groups, influence of religion, and precolonial immigration history. The article concludes that the language repertoire in Lagos is reflective of the truly cosmopolitan nature of the city with its attendant transforming influence on Yoruba-English bilingualism. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]