dc.description.abstract | The aim of the present study was to identify the motivation and functions of Codeswitching
and code-mixing in selected Kipsigis songs. Myers-Scotton (1993:1) defines
Code-switching as the alternations of linguistic varieties within the same conversation.
This definition is adopted by this study. The study was qualitative in nature and it
entailed a detailed description of code-switching based on data that contained instances of
code-switching. The data was classified, analyzed and discussed within the Theoretical
Framework of Myers-Scotton (1993) Markedness Model for Code-switching. The study
set out to find out whether the Markedness Model would be applied to determine the
socio-psychological motivation and functions of code-switching and code-mixing in the
data collected from selected Kipsigis songs.The data revealed three types of codeswitching
namely; intra-word, inter-sentential and intra-sentential code-switching. The
data was analyzed basing on the predictions given in the Markedness Model which
classifies CS into four types namely ‘Marked,’Unmarked,’Sequential, and Exploratory.
Our study only revealed the instances of ‘marked’ code-choice maxim of the Markedness
Model. The ‘marked’ choice maxim is a negotiation against the ‘unmarked’ (expected)
choice and directs a speaker to call up for another Rights and Obligation (RO) set in the
place of the expected choice. The predictions suggested by Myers-Scotton in the
Markednes Model were also found to apply to our data for example code-switching for
aesthetic effects, direct quotations, structural flagging and use of code-switching to
express ethnic identity and group solidarity.The findings of the study revealed that the
artists in the selected Kipsigis songs resorted to code-switching to serve the following
functions; to fill a lexical gap, to bring out humour, for societal factors such as
euphemism and for economy and rhythm. Finally, we gave a general summary of the
study’s findings, conclusion and recommendations for further research. | en_US |