Hausa-English Code-switching in Kanywood Films

Abstract

This work focuses on Hausa-English code-switching in contemporary Kanywood films. The nature of code-switching in the films, as well as reasons for code-switching are all examined. It is noted that code-switching in Kanywood films is mostly influenced by characters’ emotional situation (love or sadness). Only in few cases the characters use the phenomenon to share an identity with a member of their group. The paper also argues that code-switching in Kanywood films is a conscious behavior as opposed to unconscious one in spontaneous conversation.