The influence of tsotsitaal on Setswana: An investigative study at Itsoseng in the Northwest Province.
Tshotetsi, Kgomotso
Tshotetsi, Kgomotso
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Abstract
The researcher investigated the influence of Tsotsitaal on Setswana, a language that is predominately spoken in the township of Itsoseng in the North West Province. Tsotsitaal is a dynamic variety, with new words and phrases being used and introduced regularly. Tsotsitaal is a creole a language that has developed through the mixing of languages and with regard to it, the potential for diglossia becomes evident (a situation in which two languages or forms of a language are used in different conditions of the community). The Batswana (First Language (L1) speakers of Setswana) at Itsoseng speak Tsotsitaal to communicate with each other in the community. The investigation took place focusing on 20 participants who lived in Itsoseng. An in-depth analysis of Tsotsitaal regarding a sociolinguistic approach was used as theoretical lens to underpin the study. The qualitative research method was employed to establish why Tsotsitaal is becoming more popular in Itsoseng than Setswana. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants. A stratified sampling method was used to ensure that at least one observation was picked for each stratum, section or segment. A tape recorder was also used as a tool to gather data. In order to achieve consistency a tape recorder is important, because the researcher can always go back and refer to the data collected, for clarity. The researcher found that the community in Itsoseng appreciate their Setswana roots yet they do sometimes speak Tsotsitaal to communicate across linguistic borders. The government should support languages so that they can preserve their culture and original roots.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree Magister Technologiae: Language practice in the Department of Applied Languages Faculty of Humanities.
Date
2016-06-01
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Tsotsitaal, Setswana, Language Contact, Code-Mixing, Sociolinguistic Variation