LEXICAL EXCHANGE AND COLONIAL LEGACY: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF AFRICAN–EUROPEAN BORROWING

This study examines the bidirectional lexical borrowing between African and European languages, tracing historical and sociolinguistic dimensions of linguistic exchange. Through examples drawn from English, French, Portuguese, Swahili, Yoruba, Hausa, and other major languages, it explores how colonial contact, trade, and cultural interaction have shaped contemporary vocabularies on both continents. The analysis situates lexical borrowing within broader patterns of linguistic imperialism, adaptation, and resilience, demonstrating that language contact has been both a product of domination and a vehicle of creativity. Findings reveal that while European languages imposed lexical and structural influence during colonial expansion, African languages contributed significant cultural vocabulary to global lexicons. This reciprocal enrichment underscores the dynamic interplay between power and identity in the linguistic history of Africa.