Code-Switching/Code Mixing in the National Assembly of Niger

The Constitution of Niger Republic stipulates: “All the communities that compose the Nation of Niger have the liberty to use their languages while being considerate of others” (Article 3), but nothing as to the language (uniquely French or also any other native/national languages) in which the business of the national Assembly is to be conducted whereas the Assembly debates are public (Article 75) and intended toward a population of which only 22% is educated. This paper examines the level at which French, the official language or Hausa the major lingua franca and any other national language is used by the Niger Assembly members in carrying out debates. Using some instruments such as questionnaire, tape recorded materials and observations the research reveals, in spite of the constitutional 'vide', the existence of code mixing/code-switching during debates by the Niger legislature. It also investigates the perception/attitude toward those MPs who switch codes, the reason why and the possible impact on the most notable absentees the population.