A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF CODE MIXING AND CODE SWITCHING IN THE NOLLYWOOD MOVIE FUNMILAYO RANSOME-KUTI

Title: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Code Switching and Code Mixing in the Movie Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti. This study presents a comprehensive sociolinguistic analysis of code switching and code mixing as reflected in the Nigerian cinematic production, Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti. Nigeria's inherent multilingualism means that the alternating use of two or more languages specifically English and indigenous Nigerian languages is a crucial aspect of authentic social interaction. This research aims to systematically identify, classify, and analyze the specific types, functions, features, and causal factors that influence the characters' strategic language choices within the film's dialogue. The theoretical framework is built upon established Sociolinguistic models to provide a rigorous basis for explaining the social and pragmatic meanings conveyed by these linguistic shifts. The methodology utilizes a sociolinguistic research design where the entire dialogue of the film constitutes the population of the study. Data collection is primarily through Participant Observation involving the transcription of dialogues, followed by a qualitative textual and discourse analysis. The expected findings will demonstrate that code switching and code mixing are not random errors but purposeful linguistic devices that serve critical communicative and social functions within the narrative. These functions include establishing solidarity, emphasizing a point, managing topic shifts, and constructing authentic social and ethnic identity. The study ultimately seeks to highlight the dynamic nature of language use in Nigerian media and confirm the significant role these sociolinguistic strategies play in enhancing the realism and dramatic effectiveness of the film Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti. Keywords: Sociolinguistics, Code Switching, Code Mixing, Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, Nollywood, Language Use.