ERIC Number: EJ1430683
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1479-0718
EISSN: EISSN-1747-7530
Sociolinguistic Configuration of a Regimented Workforce: A Study of the Nigerian Army's Workout Songs
God'sgift Ogban Uwen; Stella Ikhesor Ekpe
International Journal of Multilingualism, v21 n3 p1635-1652 2024
This paper examines the sociolinguistic configuration of the Nigerian Army as indexed in the workout songs they used during jogging exercises in Calabar, South-eastern Nigeria. Data for the study were generated by means of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The findings, drawing insights from Discourse community theory and multilingual identity concept, show that the workout songs bear (code mixed) elements of English, Nigerian Pidgin, indigenous languages, and military slanguage. The songs replicate the language practices in the Nigerian Army's discourse community that describes the participants' multilingual identities. Aside from serving as psychological devices for solidarity, social inclusion, and morale boosting for the regimented workforce, the songs provide insights into the use of institutional registers and slang to attend to communication exigencies in their social contexts. The code mixed songs as outcomes of multilingualism, also portray Nigerian Army as interethnolinguistic and multicultural workforce and define their identity, solidarity, and professional belonging.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Armed Forces, Singing, Exercise, Sociolinguistics, Physical Activities, Military Personnel, Attitudes, Multilingualism, Social Environment, Social Integration, Group Unity, Cooperation, Morale, English for Special Purposes, Pidgins, Self Concept, Code Switching (Language)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nigeria
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A