THE ROLE OF MULTILINGUALISM TO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CAMEROONIAN REFUGEES AND MFAMOSING COMMUNITY

Abstract

Cross River State is home to over 60,000 Cameroonian refugees who fled their country due to the Anglophone crisis currently ravaging the Republic of Cameroon. Although there is ample research on the refugee situation in Cross River state, there is insufficient data on the role of the multilingualism to communication between the refugee and members of the host commu-nities. The goal of this paper is therefore to identify the role of multilin-gualism to communication between Cameroonian refugees in Mfamosing. This study adopted a mixed approach design consisting of interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. Using the purposeful sampling technique, seventy-seven (77) participants were selected for the study. The study found that initial communication between the _Mfamosing refugees and the host community was arduous and still continues to hinder effective communication between them. It also revealed that these language differences affect access to health services, education, and employment opportunities for refugees. This study highlights the need to intervene in order to bridge the communication gap between the refugees and the host community so as to ensure a harmonious relationship between both parties and ultimately lead to their integration into the Nigerian society. It further recommends the establishment and implementation of language programs aimed at bridging the communication gap between both parties.