A psycho-social analysis of common kimbeere swearwords in the language of traders at Kiritiri Miraa market, Embu county
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Date
2014-07-25
Authors
Mukuni, Daniel Muturi.
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Abstract
This study will focus on the domains and functions of common swearwords
among native Kimbeere speakers in a miraa (Khat) market. The study sets to
identify the common Kimbeere swearwords; describe the domains from which
they are sourced; account for the influence of age, gender and education in their
usage; and define their function in communication. Jay's Neuro - Psycho - Social
Theory of speech (NPS) and Hymes' Ethnography of Communication Approach
(EO C) will be used. NPS will explain the psychological and social reasons of
using swearwords in speech while Hymes' approach will guide us in describing
the speech situations involved in the use of swearwords as well as identifying the
domains from which the swearwords are sourced, thus defining the link between
swear language and culture. This study will be a descriptive survey of language
use incorporating qualitative research aspects. Data will be collected by
observation of verbal and non verbal behaviour, recording naturally occurring
speech transactions, as well as by use of an interview schedule. Respondents will
be sampled using the 'friend' of a friend approach. Two informants, one male and
the other female, and who will be native Kimbeere speakers will be involved. The
swearwords collected will be analyzed in terms of commonality, described and
categorized in terms of domain (e.g. sex, religion) and explained with regard to
their function in communication (i.e. psychological, social or linguistic function).