Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Lexical borrowing is a common linguistic phenomenon that occurs when one language adopts words or terms from another language. This research project focuses on the process of lexical borrowing from English to Hausa, a major language spoken in West Africa. The study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the patterns, motivations, and implications of English loanwords in the Hausa language. The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature on lexical borrowing, language contact, and sociolinguistic factors influencing language change. Additionally, data collection will involve compiling a corpus of English loanwords in Hausa through sources such as dictionaries, texts, and language usage in various contexts. One key aspect of the study is the identification of phonological and morphological adaptations that English loanwords undergo when incorporated into the Hausa lexicon. By examining these linguistic transformations, the research aims to shed light on how loanwords are integrated into the phonological and morphological structure of the borrowing language. Furthermore, the project explores the socio-cultural factors that drive the adoption of English loanwords in Hausa. This includes analyzing the domains in which loanwords are most commonly used, the motivations behind their adoption, and the attitudes of Hausa speakers towards the incorporation of foreign vocabulary into their language. The implications of lexical borrowing from English to Hausa are also investigated, particularly in terms of language vitality, language identity, and language evolution. By examining the impact of English loanwords on the Hausa language ecosystem, the research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of language contact dynamics in multilingual societies. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of lexical borrowing from English to Hausa, highlighting the intricate processes involved in the integration of foreign vocabulary into the Hausa lexicon. By examining phonological, morphological, sociolinguistic, and cultural aspects of lexical borrowing, the research contributes to the broader field of language contact and sheds light on the complex interplay between languages in contact situations.

Thesis 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.