THE INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE IDENTITY ON MARRIAGE CHOICES AMONG THE YORUBA AND IGBO COMMUNITIES IN LAGOS

THE INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE IDENTITY ON MARRIAGE CHOICES AMONG THE YORUBA AND IGBO COMMUNITIES IN LAGOS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Language is a powerful symbol of identity, culture, and belonging. In a multilingual and multi-ethnic society such as Nigeria, language often determines access to social networks, cultural affinity, and even economic opportunities. Among the various domains influenced by language identity, marriage remains one of the most culturally sensitive, as it brings individuals and families into close and lasting contact. In Nigeria’s urban centers such as Lagos, where inter-ethnic interactions are common, language identity continues to influence individual preferences and family decisions regarding marriage (Ajayi, 2018).

Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city and economic hub, is home to a significant population of both Yoruba and Igbo people. While the Yoruba are the indigenous ethnic group in Lagos, the Igbo constitute one of the largest migrant communities in the state. Over decades of coexistence, intermarriages between the two groups have become more visible. However, language differences and ethnic perceptions continue to shape marital choices and acceptance. The Yoruba language and the Igbo language are not mutually intelligible, and families often consider the prospective spouse's language and ethnic identity when deciding on marriage suitability (Okoye & Adeoye, 2020).

Language identity in this context goes beyond the ability to speak a particular language; it encompasses cultural worldview, value systems, and ethnic solidarity. Among the Yoruba, for example, proverbs, orature, and naming customs are deeply tied to the language and are considered vital in transmitting culture. Likewise, for the Igbo, language is central to social rituals, family roles, and community participation. Hence, marrying into a family that speaks a different language can be perceived as a challenge to cultural preservation, especially by older generations (Nwankwo, 2019).

Despite increasing urbanization, education, and religious commonalities, language identity remains a subtle but significant force influencing marital decisions. This study is thus situated at the intersection of language, identity, and socio-cultural interaction, aiming to explore how linguistic identity affects marriage preferences and choices among the Yoruba and Igbo in Lagos. It further investigates how urban coexistence, language adaptation, and bilingualism may alter traditional marriage perceptions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In a rapidly globalizing Nigeria, Lagos remains a melting pot of cultures, languages, and identities. While many assume that urbanization leads to cultural integration, there is growing evidence that ethnic and linguistic boundaries still influence personal relationships, particularly marriage. Inter-ethnic marriages, although increasingly common, are not always easily accepted due to concerns about linguistic compatibility, cultural differences, and ethnic loyalty (Eze, 2021).

Among the Yoruba and Igbo communities in Lagos, language often serves as a social marker, influencing not only interpersonal communication but also the perceived suitability of a marriage partner. Families may resist unions that could weaken the transmission of their native language or dilute their cultural heritage. For instance, a Yoruba family may express concern about an Igbo in-law’s ability to understand Yoruba customs, while Igbo elders may worry that a Yoruba spouse may not integrate fully into Igbo traditional rites and language practices (Adebayo, 2017).

While some research has examined ethnic and cultural influences on marriage in Nigeria, limited attention has been given to the role of language identity as an independent variable affecting marriage decisions. Most studies tend to aggregate language with ethnicity or culture, ignoring the nuanced ways language specifically shapes perceptions, negotiations, and acceptance in intermarital relationships. This oversight leaves a critical gap in understanding how language functions as both a bridge and a barrier in multi-ethnic urban settings.

Therefore, this study seeks to address this gap by critically examining the influence of language identity on marriage choices among Yoruba and Igbo communities in Lagos. It aims to uncover the extent to which language preferences shape individual decisions, familial negotiations, and societal perceptions regarding inter-ethnic unions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To investigate how language identity influences marital preferences among Yoruba and Igbo individuals in Lagos.

To examine family and community attitudes towards intermarriages between Yoruba and Igbo speakers.

To assess the impact of bilingualism and urban integration on the acceptance of cross-linguistic marriages.

1.4 Research Questions

In what ways does language identity influence the marriage choices of Yoruba and Igbo individuals in Lagos?

What are the dominant familial and communal perceptions of inter-linguistic marriages between these two ethnic groups?

How does bilingualism affect the acceptance and success of Yoruba–Igbo marriages?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀₁: Language identity does not significantly influence the marriage choices of Yoruba and Igbo individuals in Lagos.

H₀₂: There is no significant relationship between bilingualism and the acceptance of inter-linguistic marriages in Lagos.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study contributes to the growing field of sociolinguistics, identity studies, and cultural anthropology in Nigeria. It will provide insights into how language influences intimate social choices and the extent to which language can either facilitate or hinder integration in multicultural urban spaces. For policy makers and cultural organizations, the findings may inform programs aimed at promoting cultural tolerance and language inclusivity. Additionally, for scholars, the research adds to the existing literature on language and social cohesion in Nigeria’s urban centers.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focuses on Yoruba and Igbo communities residing in Lagos State, particularly in cosmopolitan areas such as Surulere, Ikeja, and Ajah. It is limited to individuals of marriageable age (18 years and above) and includes both singles and those in inter-ethnic marriages. Limitations may include respondent bias, especially regarding sensitive cultural issues, and potential difficulty in isolating language from broader ethnic considerations.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Language Identity: The association between an individual’s language and their cultural, ethnic, or social identity.

Inter-Ethnic Marriage: A marital union between individuals from different ethnic or linguistic backgrounds.

Bilingualism: The ability to speak and understand two different languages fluently.

Linguistic Compatibility: The degree to which language similarities ease interpersonal and familial interactions in cross-cultural contexts.

1.9 Structure of the Study

This study is structured into five chapters. Chapter One provides the introduction. Chapter Two presents a review of related literature and theoretical frameworks. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology. Chapter Four analyzes the data and presents findings. Chapter Five concludes the study with recommendations and suggestions for future research.

References

Adebayo, R. (2017). Ethnic considerations in intermarriage decisions among Nigerian youth. Journal of Marriage and Culture Studies, 9(1), 88–102.

Ajayi, O. (2018). Urban coexistence and interethnic marriage: The case of Lagos. African Sociological Review, 22(2), 55–74.

Eze, M. (2021). Linguistic boundaries and marital choices in Nigeria: A sociolinguistic perspective. Language & Society in Africa, 7(3), 110–128.

Nwankwo, C. (2019). Language, identity and culture in Nigerian families. Journal of Linguistics and African Identities, 14(4), 72–91.

Okoye, I., & Adeoye, K. (2020). Ethnic relations and language perception in urban Nigeria. Urban Linguistics Review, 5(2), 133–147.