Code-Switching Between Yoruba and English Among Market Traders in Lagos Island

Code-switching, the practice of alternating between two or more languages within a single conversation, is a widespread communicative phenomenon in multilingual Nigeria. This study examines the patterns and motivations for code-switching between Yoruba and English among market traders operating in Lagos Island, South West Nigeria. The research employs a qualitative ethnographic design, with data collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews conducted over an eight-week fieldwork period. A purposive sample of 60 traders operating in Balogun and Idumota markets was selected to represent diverse product categories and age groups. The study draws on Myers-Scotton's Markedness Model and Gumperz's conversational code-switching framework to analyse the functional roles of language alternation in trader-customer interactions. Preliminary literature suggests that code-switching in Nigerian markets reflects not only linguistic preference but also social positioning, trust-building, and commercial strategy. This research investigates whether Yoruba serves as the default in-group language and English functions as a prestige marker in inter-ethnic transactions. The study also explores generational differences in code-switching frequency and competence. Findings are expected to reveal consistent motivational patterns linked to buyer ethnicity, transaction size, and product type. The implications for language policy and the documentation of urban Yoruba speech will be discussed. Recommendations will address how urban linguistic practices can inform language education in Lagos State schools. Keywords: code-switching, Yoruba, English, market traders, Lagos Island.