CROSS-LINGUISTIC INFLUENCE IN CONTACT SPACES: STRUCTURAL INTERFERENCE IN THE IGBO - HAUSA CONTACT AT LOKPANTA

Abstract

This study examined and structural interferences on the Igbo and Hausa languages in contact at Lokpanta, Abia State, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative orientation approaches involving semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations and linguistic elicitation. Data were analyzed in line with the thematic, interpretative and elicitation approaches. The study identified substratum interference involving alteration of some sounds in specific environments, substitution of sounds, as well as interferences relating to plural and gender marking in Hausa. These interferences manifest in a range of linguistic practices aimed at facilitating economic exchanges and to navigate identity positions. It was concluded that the Igbo-Hausa contact at Lokpanta presents interesting patterns interferences (phonic and grammatical) that speak to the typological distance between the languages in contact.