Code-Switching and Code-Mixing as Stylistic Devices in Selected Gospel Songs of Mercy Chinwo

Abstract

Although, researches have been carried out to consider the use of code-mixing and code-switching in gospel songs, Mercy Chinwo's recently released album Satisfied (2020) has barely received scholarly attention. This study examines how she uses code-switching and code-mixing to influence her style in her songs. It adopts a mixed method of analysis to discover the purposes for code-switching and code-mixing in six of her songs. The style she uses these aforementioned variables to create are explicated. The finding of this study reveals that Chinwo is able to identify herself as multilingual, relate with her audience, explore the chances of being recognised in Nigeria and beyond, demonstrate excitement, highlight the themes of her songs, remind Christians of Pentecost, asides these, carry out the textual metafunction of Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar.