J. O. ONU

This study examines the phenomenon of code switching and code mixing in the Mbe language, spoken in Nigeria. Through a sociolinguistic analysis of natural conversations, this research investigates the frequency, functions, and motivations of code switching and code mixing between Mbe and English. The findings reveal that code switching and code mixing are common strategies used by Mbe speakers to communicate effectively, express cultural identity, and navigate multiple languages ineveryday interactions. The study highlights the importance of considering language contact and variation in language policy andplanning efforts, particularly in multilingual settings like Nigeria. Theresearch contributes to our understanding of linguistic diversity andcultural heritage, and provides insights for language documentation, language teaching, and language resource development.

This research work on a semantic analysis of the Urhobo kinship system, aims to discuss kinship terms in the Urhobo language, analyzing their semantic meanings, the specific terms used for various family relationships and socio-cultural connections within Urhobo society. The study employs both primary and secondary methods of data collection, focusing on direct personal interviews with community members and inlook by a native speaker. The study applies Frame Semantics Theory (Charles Fillmore, 1975). Using a descriptive approach and qualitative data analysis techniques, the research examines various kinship terms. The findings reveal that a structured kinship system in the Urhobo community, categorizing kinship terms into descent, siblingship, and affinity, with a focus on consanguinal relationships. Together, these terms demonstrate the Urhobo people's respect for family bonds and their significance in maintaining social harmony. This study also shows that the Urhobo kinship system is more than a way of describing relationships—it is a key part of passing down cultural values and societal norms.

The importance of festivals in any society cannot be over emphasized. Literature evidence shows that there has been researches on festivals in some cultures but scholarly attention to he intricacies of Ekpoleki festival remains limited. It is on this premise that this study aims to provide a descriptive account of Ekpoleki festival. The objective of this study is to examine how Ekpoleki festival is performed and also to discuss the rituals involved why performing it. The study adopts a qualitative research design. Data of the study were collected from twenty (20) principal informants (individuals that have knowledge about Ekpoleki festival) and direct interaction in various gathering in Ogheghe community. The oral interview was classified according to age, gender, and educational status. The study adopts the ethnography of communication as its theoretical framework. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive method. The findings of the study reveal that Ekpoleki festival is an event of celebrating customs and traditions. It is observed in their daily activities. This event also form part of their linguistic functions. Furthermore, Ekpoleki festival is performed in five days. The day of sweeping round the market, the masquerade day, the youths day, the storytelling day and the day of performing sacrifices. Finally, this study recommends that educational institutions should include cultural festivals into their curricular to promote cultural preservation and understanding among students, ensuring that traditional practices are maintained and preserved for future generations

This project aims to examine the lexicostatistical analysis of the Edo and Esan languages, two major languages spoken in Nigeria. The objectives are to determine the level of relatedness of the Edo and Esan languages and also to determine the similarities and contrast vocabularies in both languages. The study also examines the mutual intelligibility between both languages and many others. In the course of this work, the Ibadan 400 words list was used, using the lexicostatistics developed by Morris Swadesh in 1950. The methodology for the research involved both the primary and secondary method. The primary method used in this study is an informal observation and an oral interview with the native speakers of Edo and Esan languages while the secondary method includes; a review of relevant materials on lexicostatistics, dialectology and language variation, Edo language classification and so on. The study also involved collecting lexical data from native speakers of both languages and applying lexicostatistical methods to analyze their lexical similarities and differences. The analysis will focus on
comparing word lists and calculating lexical distances between the two languages using established computational techniques. The findings will provide insights into the linguistic relationship between Bini and Esan, shedding light on their historical developpossible language contact scenarios. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the linguistic diversity in Nigeria and enhances our knowledge of the Edo and Esan languages.