A DIGLOSSIC INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF ENGLISH AND JUKUN LANGUAGES IN WUKARI METROPOLIS, TARABA STATE THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES, FACULTY OF ARTS, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTERS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

ABSTRACT
This study is an inquiry into the diglossic phenomenon in the Wukari metropolis, Taraba state, with an attempt at providing solutions to the problems discovered in the usage of English and Jukun languages within the study area. Varieties of the English language exist alongside the Jukun and other indigenous languages. This situation normally gives rise to the choice of codes by certain bilinguals with respect to some given contexts. It therefore becomes increasingly difficult to decipher what language is best suited for certain linguistic contexts. It is also discovered that linguistic prejudices do exist among users who may choose to elevate one code over the other for unspecified reasons. Fishman’s (1972) theory of diglossia, involving genetically unrelated languages was adopted as suitable theoretical framework for the discussion of diglossia in the research. The data were collected through research instruments such as Participant Observation, Structured Interviews, Questionnaire and Audio-Tape Recording (ATR). The data were presented and analysed using statistical tables and excerpts from the ATR. The findings showed that there is a statistically significant interplay between language use and contextual, demographic, sociological and stylistic variables. The findings also showed that diglossia could have a significant impact on the growth and development of the Jukun language and therefore called for a greater use of the Jukun language in the metropolis.