DIGITISATION OF BODIJA MARKET LANGUAGE USE AND CULTURE

Abstract

This study documents and analyzes the unique linguistic and cultural vocabulary used in Bodija Market, one of the largest food and commodity markets in West Africa, located in Ibadan, Nigeria. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs purposive sampling and face-to-face interviews with traders, buyers, and market leaders to collect lexical data. The research focuses on specialised terms related to commodities, bargaining expressions, measurements, slang, leadership titles, and greetings, reflecting the market's socio-cultural dynamics and economic interactions. The collected data were processed and organised using Field Works Language Explorer (FLEx), a digital lexicography tool, to create a searchable, multimedia Yoruba-English dictionary. The study adopts a tripartite theoretical framework combining Descriptive Linguistics, Specialised Lexicography, and Digital Lexicography to ensure accurate representation, contextual relevance, and accessibility of the documented terms. Findings reveal that Bodija Market’s lexicon is not only functional for trade but also serves as a vehicle for cultural expression, social cohesion, and identity preservation. Terms such as Ìyáló? jà (market woman leader), òsàr?? (rebuke for unserious bargaining), and alábó? (head porter) illustrate the deep interconnection between language, culture, and commerce. The study also highlights the role of digital tools in preserving endangered lexical resources in rapidly urbanising contexts. This research contributes to the fields of lexicography, sociolinguistics, and Yoruba studies by providing a structured, culturally  annotated digital lexicon. It recommends further documentation of market vocabularies across Yoruba-speaking regions and advocates for the integration of such resources into educational and cultural preservation initiatives.