HAUSA-ENGLISH CODE-SWITCHING IN CONTEMPORARY KANYWOOD FILMS

Abstract: This research endeavour entails an analysis of the linguistic patterns employed within the context of the Kannywood film industry, which is predominantly situated in northern Nigeria. The primary objective of this study is to examine the phenomenon of Hausa-English code-switching within the context of contemporary Kanywood films. This study investigates the phenomenon of code-switching in films, exploring both its nature and the underlying causes for its occurrence. The predominant influence on code-switching in Kanywood films is the emotional state of the protagonists, particularly in relation to themes of love and grief. In a limited number of instances, the characters employ the phenomena as a means to establish a shared identity with a fellow member of their group. The research posits that code-switching observed in Kanywood films is a deliberate act, in contrast to the unthinking occurrence commonly observed in spontaneous conversations.