A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Code Mixing and Code Switching in a Multilingual Community; a Case Study of Ado Ekiti

ABSTRACTThis study examines the phenomena of code-mixing and code-switching. focusing on their linguistic, social, and cognitive dimensions. Code-mixing refers to the blending of elements from two or more languages within a single utterance, while code-switching involves alternating between languages or dialects in different contexts or sentences. These practices are prevalent in multilingual societies and serve as essential tools for communication, identity negotiation, and cultural expression. The research explores the motivations behind code-mixing and code- switching, which include social identity, ease of expression, audience design, and situational appropriateness. It also highlights how these practices reflect speakers' bilingual or multilingual competence and their ability to navigate complex linguistic environments. Sociolinguistic theories such as the Markedness Model and Communication Accommodation Theory are employed to analyze how speakers make linguistic choices based on social dynamics. The findings reveal that code-mixing and code-switching are not signs of linguistic deficiency but rather strategic and creative mechanisms used to achieve various communicative goals. The study underscores the importance of understanding these practices as dynamic and context-dependent, emphasizing their role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. This analysis contributes to the growing body of literature on multilingualism, offering insights for education, media, and cross- cultural communication.