CODE-SWITCHING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE: EVIDENCE OF POOR IGBO LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE AND PERFORMANCE AMONG IGBO YOUTHS

Abstract

In linguistics, code-switching occurs when a speaker alternates between two or more languages, or language varieties in the context of a single conversation. Competence and performance are twin linguistic concepts that have to do with the ability of a speaker of a language to have basic knowledge of the grammatical rules of the language and being able to use the language effectively in concrete situations. The research was guided by Markedness theory of Carol Myers-Scotton. This theory holds that speakers make language choice because of their own goals. The research was a physical contact research; in which the researcher moved into the field and observed the students as they code-switched. From the findings, the researcher discovered the major reasons why they code-switch is because they are poor in Igbo linguistic competence and performance. So there is evidence of struggle for linguistic freedom. The researcher equally discovered the implications of code-switching for the development of the Igbo language, and finally, stated how the findings could help in the development of the Igbo language.