TRANSLATING SOCIAL IDENTITY: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF CODE-SWITCHING AND POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN MULTILINGUAL SUBTITLING

Abstract

This study explores the sociolinguistic construction of social identity through code-switching and politeness strategies in the Igbo film Onye Bụ Nna M, with attention to how these features are represented in the film’s English subtitles. The objectives are threefold: (a) to analyse instances of code-switching and politeness strategies in the selected Igbo film and examine their sociolinguistic functions; (b) to evaluate how these features are rendered in the English subtitles; and (c) to propose culturally sensitive subtitling practices that enhance the representation of social identity in multilingual African films. Findings reveal that code-switching and politeness strategies are deeply rooted in the characters’ social roles, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. Code-switching is often used to mark emphasis, sarcasm, emotional shift, or social distance, while politeness strategies reflect respect, familiarity, or confrontation. However, the English subtitles frequently omit or simplify these nuances, losing meaning, tone, and cultural context. For example, emotionally charged or socially significant expressions are sometimes mistranslated or excluded, weakening the viewer’s understanding of character dynamics and social identity. The study recommends consistent and culturally grounded subtitling that retains code-switched expressions where appropriate and accurately conveys politeness functions. Subtitlers should be trained in sociolinguistic sensitivity to ensure the preservation of cultural meanings and identities in African multilingual films.