Veritatis Gaudium: Multidisciplinary Journal of Postgraduate Studies

This paper examines aspects of sociolinguistic strategies employed by Igbo-English bilinguals in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. Using Dell Hymes’ (1974) Communicative Competence and the SPEAKING model as the theoretical framework, the study investigates how bilingual speakers navigate language use across different social domains. The study adopted a qualitative research design, drawing on interviews, audio recordings, observations, and relevant literature. The study identifies nine sociolinguistic strategies frequently employed by bilinguals, shaped by factors such as setting, interlocutor, and communicative intent. The findings also reveal that Igbo-English bilinguals strategically alternate linguistic codes to express identity, maintain group solidarity, negotiate social roles, enhance clarity, and achieve communicative efficiency. The study further shows that sociocultural norms, interlocutor relationships, and situational expectations significantly influence these strategies. Overall, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of bilingual communicative behavior in some north-central Nigerian urban spaces and offers insights relevant to the preservation of indigenous languages.

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