Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project delves into the phenomenon of lexical borrowing from English to Hausa, focusing on the linguistic and sociocultural implications of this process. Lexical borrowing is a common phenomenon in language contact situations, where languages come into contact and influence each other. In the case of English and Hausa, the contact is primarily due to historical, educational, and technological factors. The study explores the various mechanisms through which English words are borrowed into the Hausa language, including loanwords, loan blends, and loan translations. These borrowed words are often adapted to fit the phonological and morphological structure of Hausa, leading to changes in pronunciation, spelling, and meaning. The research also investigates the semantic domains in which lexical borrowing from English to Hausa is most prevalent, such as technology, education, and popular culture. Furthermore, the sociolinguistic aspects of lexical borrowing are examined, including the attitudes of Hausa speakers towards borrowed English words. While some borrowed words are readily accepted and integrated into the Hausa lexicon, others may face resistance or be perceived as markers of linguistic imperialism. The study considers how language ideologies and power dynamics influence the adoption and adaptation of borrowed words in Hausa. In addition, the research project analyzes the role of language purism in Hausa language maintenance and the potential impact of lexical borrowing on language vitality and identity. Language purists may advocate for the preservation of pure Hausa vocabulary and resist the influx of English loanwords, viewing them as threats to linguistic integrity. On the other hand, proponents of language change argue that borrowing from English enriches the Hausa language and reflects its dynamic nature. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of language contact and change in multilingual societies, shedding light on the complex processes involved in lexical borrowing from English to Hausa. By examining the linguistic, sociocultural, and ideological dimensions of this phenomenon, the research project aims to provide insights into the dynamics of language evolution and adaptation in a globalized world.

Project Overview

1.0   Introduction

This project is centered on An In-depth Study on Lexical Borrowing from English to Hausa, with the aim to study the English and Hausa lexical loan words. The concept borrowing has been defined and explains by different scholars. It is a universal socio-linguistic phenomenon which is as a result of different cultures in contact, as a result of this contact cultural items filter freely from one culture to another.

This is true in the case of language as there is a dare need for communication between speakers of different language communities who come into contact. This is therefore in the case with language development through lexical borrowing in English and Hausa.

It is a common fact that no language can live in isolation without interacting with neibouring or other language around it. The interaction could be political, economic and social In a situation where a language remains without new words, there is every tendency that such language would logging behind other language.

The borrower words are often referred to technology e.g. machine, engine, telephone e.t.c. language which is the major need of any society.

It is almost impossible for any language to remain purely on its own unless the speakers do not leave their domain for another and similarly do not allow speakers of another language in to their domain. Lexical borrowing is common in most languages because no language is an inland on its own, it is on this note this project will discuss the phenomenon of language development through lexical borrowing. It is going to deal with study of English and Hausa language as each borrowing from one another.