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Diffusion and focusing: Phonological variation and social networks In Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 January 2009

L. Oladipo Salami
L. Oladipo Salami
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics, Obafemi Awolowo University
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Abstract

This article reports on the application of the concept of social network to the process of language usage among Yoruba-speaking city dwellers in Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria. The study, modeled on L. Milroy (1980), focuses mainly on phonetic/phonological variation within Common Spoken Yoruba (CmSpY). The analysis of the data gathered mainly within face-to-face interviews shows that, whereas we can claim that there is stratification within CmSpY on the basis of sociodemographic factors, the variable of social network manifests a powerful influence on variation in Yoruba language usage and potential change within CmSpY in Ile-Ife. (Linguistic variation, social networks, linguistic focusing)

Type
Articles
Information
Language in Society , Volume 20 , Issue 2 , June 1991 , pp. 217 - 245
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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References

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