EFFECT OF LANGUAGE CONVERGENCE ON IKALE

ABSTRACT

This study (effect of language convergence on Ikale) was done to draw a Line between the various languages present in Okitipupa, an investigation was done aiming at convergence effect in Okitipupa ranging from Language dominance, Language shift or change and language attitude. The basic need of this study is to draw a line between these Language (Ikale, Ilaje and Ijaw) by identifying the linguistic situations like code switching and code mixing, language relatedness, language death etc For proper study, comparison was done using Contrastive analysis (Linguistics) a frame work similar to pedagogical study as this help in language learn ing by identifying areas of difficulties. It was geared toward identifying area of transfer in term of phonology, morphology and semantics. Data collection was done using resident of Okitipupa and a monolingual neighbouring community of Erinje [Ikale] who are between the age of 18 to 30.

Two forms of data were use; Questionnaire and the Ibandan 400 word list (extracting 200 words) . this data as use for analysis resulted in various findingslike, Ikale remains the language of wider communication among family members, peer group and at Schools, borrowing and language shift In conclusion, language convergence has cause a change in linguistic component of Ikale, this study has also help the speakers of Ikale to identify these change, the language teacher by equipping them with teaching skills and materials and the government in drawing a language policy and linguistic boundaries.