Socio cum linguistic interplay in language choice and performance in a multiligual milieu

Abstract

Language ordinarily serves as a tool for communication. Communication is made effective by the individual‟s competence and ability in using any language. The reverse will, however be the case. Similarly, some other variables can enhance or mar communication. The variables which may aid or abate communication include those norms of the society that uses a particular language. These norms go a long way in regulating the choice one makes of diction, structure, pronunciation and even accent. Furthermore, the context where language is used equally determines what is to be said and how to say it. This paper therefore investigates the interplay of socio and linguistic variables in determining one‟s choice of code or language using the city of Awka and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, one of the federal universities in the south eastern part of Nigeria as the setting. The data for the study were randomly collected from people, including students, artisans, businessmen, traders and other civil populace in the city. The result of the study indicates that the language that most people speak and the extent of their performance is a consequence of two variables: the linguistic knowledge of the individual and the society where the individual operates. The findings of this study will help effective communication to take place and enable people of all walks of life to interact well with others.