An exploration of extra linguistic factors of English – Kiswahili code switching in FM Industry in Kenya

Abstract

The paper examines English and Kiswahili Code-switching (CS) in Kiss Fm and
Easy Fm radio stations in Kenya.CS is a recently formed practice in Fm stations in
Kenya. Liberalization of the air waves led to a shift in the language of broadcasting
among the Fm anchors unlike the previous years when broadcasters used English
exclusively .The new stations started switching language during their shows. Since
then, several Fm stations have adopted CS during their programmes to communicate
with the Fm listeners and various audiences.
In this study, we examine the motivations of Fm anchors to code switch and whether
the specific extralinguistic factors contribute to such code switching. Data from
naturally- occurring conversations by four Fm anchors are analyzed within Blom
and Gumperz (1972) interactional/Interpretative model.
An attempt is also made to demonstrate that code-switching in Fm stations is
influenced by extralinguistic factors.Fm anchors are found to use CS as a
communication strategy employed for effective communication between Fm anchors
and Fm listeners .
The data set for this work came from four FM anchors in the two FM stations sampled
through purposive sampling and ten Maseno University Student selected through
snow ball sampling technique..

Keywords: codeswitching, FM, extralinguistics factors, media, FM achors, FM listeners, Kenya.

Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa Vol. 1 (2) 2009: pp. 151-159