Towards an understanding of translanguaging among traders and customers of soweto market in Lusaka, Zambia
Date
2020
Authors
Namatama, Katundu Bronah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study framed as “Towards an Understanding of Translanguaging among Traders and Customers at
Soweto Market in Lusaka” attempts to address the dearth in literature about real life language practices
by using a market place as a point of departure from the focus on translanguaging in bilingual
education. The study recognises the fact that little is known about translanguaging practices among
those in the trade domain in Zambia. This work investigated the dominant and other languages that
feed into and provide evidence for translanguaging practice in order to unravel the motivation behind
translanguaging strategy and how it is practiced among traders and customers of Soweto market. These
were all analysed on the tenets of Conversational Analysis, Speech Accommodation Theory,
Translanguaging Theory and Multilingualism. The study utilised the qualitative approach. Data were
obtained by the semi-structured interview, audio recording and general observation.
Through a careful analysis of translanguaging strategy among traders and customers the outcome of
the study revealed that the languages spoken in Soweto market by traders, customers and those who
just pass by, included; Nyanja, Bemba, English, Tonga, Lozi, Luvale, Lunda, Lenje, Ila, Soli, Mbunda,
Tumbuka, Chewa, Ngoni, Kaonde and Swahili, with Nyanja being the dominant language. The most
translanguaged languages during a transaction were Nyanja, Bemba and English. The study further
shows how speakers in a market setting of Lusaka stylize their multiple languages by dissolving the
traditional linguistic boundaries through the use of the extended linguistic repertoire from their
language system. The study revealed that translanguaging practices among traders and customers
during a transaction was motivated by speech convergence strategy, speech divergence strategy,
speech maintenance strategy, Non-lexical availability, persuasive strategy, the need to give answers to
questions or ask questions or seek information, the need to describe, to clarify misunderstandings,
explain or dispute the allegations placed on some products being sold, effective communication, and
the Social Status of the speakers.
Therefore, traders and customers translanguage to have a clearer conveyance of messages in order to
increase not only customers turn up and profit but also promote inclusion, participation, approval,
ascertain social identity and understanding so as to make complete meaning.
In this study the researcher has laid down the foundation for future researchers who may wish to
explore further dimensions of translanguaging among traders and customers. Studies should be
conducted to establish the factors that influence the use and function of English language in an
informal setting like a market. Furthermore, studies on translanguaging should be conducted in other
domains and sectors of the country so as to determine and identify its use, function and benefits to
those who practise it. In addition, while a majority of existing studies on translanguaging are on face to
face oral interactions, there is need to conduct studies on how translanguaging works in other genres
and modalities of communication so as to establish on whether or not the translanguaging strategies
are different.
Key words: Translanguaging, Motivation, Soweto market
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Translanguaging--Zambia