Grammatical Features of Songhay-Bamanankan Code-Switching in Songhay Families in Bamako

This study explores the grammatical features of code-switching between Songhay and Bamanankan within Songhay families in Bamako. From a sociolinguistic perspective, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating recordings of natural family conversations, non-participant observations, and a combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses. The data reveal distinct patterns of code-switching, particularly at sentence and clause boundaries, with occasional intra-sentential switches. The Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model is used to analyze how speakers maintain grammatical integrity while navigating between languages. Syntactic, morphological, and verb phrase switching are also examined, demonstrating speakers’ fluidity in alternating between languages, sometimes incorporating French for emphasis. This linguistic flexibility highlights the socio-cultural adaptability of the speakers, reflecting the importance of multilingualism in Bamako’s linguistic landscape. The findings provide valuable insights into the complexities of language interaction, communication, and identity in a multilingual context.