Heteroglossic approach to Discourse Analysis in Selected Languages spoken in Kenya: A Case of ‘Matatu’ Touts in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties in Kenya.

Abstract

This paper reflects on duplicity of meanings in a single informal utterance. This refers to the several interpretations that can be adduced to an utterance in the course of informal interaction. This study investigates discourse in which we investigate the multiplicity of meanings embedded in single informal expressions in Kiswahili, Kikuyu, English and Slang as used by public transport matatu touts (minibus touts). This study employed a qualitative research approach and focused on observation and recording of touts at various public transport bus termini. Our research population was composed of matatu touts plying routes in Nairobi and Kiambu counties of Kenya. Informal interactions between touts, drivers and passengers were recorded. We sampled 28 out of 127 expressions that characterize their day-to-day language use. Data coding to facilitate text and content analysis of the expressions used by matatu touts. The findings of this study illustrate that despite there being several interpretations to an encoded informal utterance, this does not hinder the receiver from decoding the intended meaning of the speaker. This language is characterized by morphosyntactical principles in various language registers within the confines of the given context. This paper argues that matatu touts in Kenya maintain the use of a structurally coded and informal language of communication to facilitate fluid interaction in their line of work.