Project Abstract

Abstract
This research delves into the phenomenon of lexical borrowing from English to Hausa, aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of the process, patterns, and impact of borrowing on the Hausa language. Lexical borrowing is a common linguistic practice where languages adopt words from other languages due to various reasons such as cultural exchange, technological advancements, and globalization. In the case of English loanwords in Hausa, this phenomenon has been ongoing for centuries, leading to a significant influence on the vocabulary of the Hausa language. The study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing a corpus of English loanwords in Hausa collected from various sources such as literature, media, and everyday language use. Through a systematic analysis of the borrowed lexicon, the research identifies different categories of loanwords based on their semantic fields, phonological adaptation, and morphological integration into the Hausa linguistic system. Additionally, the study investigates the sociolinguistic factors that contribute to the adoption and adaptation of English loanwords in Hausa, including language contact, prestige, and cultural influence. Furthermore, the research explores the impact of lexical borrowing on the Hausa language in terms of semantic enrichment, lexical expansion, and potential challenges to language purity and identity. By examining the usage and acceptance of English loanwords in various domains such as education, media, and technology, the study sheds light on the evolving nature of the Hausa lexicon and its dynamic interaction with English and other languages. The findings of this research contribute to the existing body of knowledge on language contact and borrowing phenomena, particularly in the context of African languages and their interaction with global languages like English. The study highlights the complex dynamics of lexical borrowing and the need for a balanced approach to language enrichment while preserving the unique identity and heritage of the Hausa language. Ultimately, this research aims to deepen our understanding of the linguistic vitality and adaptability of Hausa in the face of increasing globalization and cultural exchange, emphasizing the importance of studying language contact phenomena for maintaining linguistic diversity and fostering intercultural communication.

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.