Yoruba-English bilingualism in central Lagos – Nigeria

This article examines the language repertoire and linguistic behaviour of the inhabitants of Central Lagos in Nigeria. It is noted that the linguistic composition of Lagos can be attributed to the history of language contact and the peculiar settlement pattern of various Lagos dwellers necessitated by a complex process of socio-cultural integration, ethnic diffusion, and linguistic assimilation. The article identifies the factors that shape the linguistic character of the Lagos Island speech community as coagulation of Yoruba ethnic communities, influx of Nigerian linguistic groups, influence of religion and pre-colonial immigration history. The article concludes that the language repertoire in Lagos is reflective of the truly cosmopolitan nature of the city with its attendant transforming influence on Yoruba-English bilingualism.