Code Mixing in Pentecostal Churches

Abstract

AbstractReligion is another avenue of language use which needs to be examined in our society. With the advent of many Christian churches and organizations flooding the Ọrọ (New Benue-Congo) community, language use is becoming interesting. In many churches, the English language is used as a default language and in some others, interpretation in Efik or Ọrọ is provided. There are also some churches in the community whose language is basically Nigerian Pidgin English. Apart from traditional religion which maintains Ọrọ as a default language, the Christian religion makes use of mixed languages in their everyday activities. Data for the study include direct observations and interviews (both structured and unstructured), obtained from the Ọrọ community. Analysis of these data indicates strongly that, the decision to use multiple languages in churches within the community stems from creating understanding among worshippers coming from different language backgrounds. Furthermore, once worshippers are able to understand what is being preached, their faith are built, hence, winning their souls and boosting the economy and power of the churches.KeywordsFaithPentecostalismLanguage useMixed languagesReligion