Migrant identities in multilingual contexts: Nigerian migrants’ language use in public spaces in Cape Town

Abstract

The study investigates language use and identity navigation among Nigerian migrants with a focus on language use in public and social spaces in Cape Town, South Africa. It reports on ethnographic observation, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal the use of spoken Igbo and isiXhosa in interactions among primarily Igbo, Nigerian migrants, as well as how the migrants draw on their newly acquired (and often relatively limited) knowledge of isiXhosa in interactions and for economic exchanges. Key themes include language learning (primarily of isiXhosa), codeswitching, and Igbo neologisms as well as speech stylisation. In the suburbs, menus and signs in restaurants are written in a range of languages, including Igbo, isiXhosa, and English. While the use of Igbo expresses and affirms their Nigerian identity, isiXhosa is used to avoid identification as ‘foreigners’ against a backdrop of xenophobic violence. The strategies underscore the challenges of navigating economic and social pressures in a society saturated with codes, whilst also maintaining the language of ‘home’. The study provides original insights into the factors affecting African language use in public spaces by an often-overlooked group

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