Nnadiebube Journal of Education

Nigeria’s linguistic environment is characterized by remarkable diversity, with over 500 indigenous languages coexisting alongside English and Nigerian Pidgin. Religious settings such as churches and mosques represent important domains where multilingual practices are frequently observed. This study examines patterns and functions of code-switching and language choice in Nigerian religious discourse, particularly within Christian sermon contexts. Drawing on Fishman’s Domain Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory, and Myers-Scotton’s Markedness Model, the study analyzes sermon excerpts and worship discourse to identify patterns of language alternation. Using qualitative discourse analysis of twenty sermons collected from Nigerian churches, the study finds that code-switching between English, Nigerian Pidgin, and indigenous languages serves several communicative functions, including audience accommodation, rhetorical emphasis, identity construction, and emotional engagement. The findings demonstrate that multilingual practices are not random but strategic communicative tools used by religious leaders to reach diverse congregations. The study contributes to sociolinguistic research by highlighting the role of religion as a key domain of multilingual interaction in Nigeria.

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