Code switching and code mixing among the Ruhaya speakers: a sociolinguistic appraisal of pre- wedding committee meetings

This study is a sociolinguistic appraisal of code switching and code mixing among the Haya dominated pre wedding committee meetings (Haya dominated meetings in the context of this study, refers to the committee meetings where the majority members of the committee were the native speakers of Ruhaya). Specifically, the study intends to find out reasons for code switching and code mixing in situations where one language was expected to be used. It also aims at soliciting the views of both Haya and non Haya speakers on code switching and code mixing behavior. Data were collected through direct observation, audio recording and interviews. Face to face interviews were conducted to twelve Haya- and four non Haya-speaking respondents to obtain their opinions on the use of CS and CM in meetings. The study was guided by the Rational Choice Model and the Matrix Language Frame Model while qualitative analysis was used in analyzing the data. The main findings indicate that code switching and code mixing are useful communicative strategies which may be used among others to achieve various communication needs. The analysis indicates that CS and CM are used in order to fill the language gaps, express some cultural terms, as a language reference and for emphasis. It has been established that when used appropriately, CS and CM can foster good relationships, solidarity, smooth communication and can arrest communication breakdown. However, to some respondents, those who switch particularly to English are accused of evasiveness. It has been concluded that, in these meetings the speakers' use of code switching and code mixing help the audience to better understand the message. This means that effective communication cannot be attained through the use of only one language. In the light of the findings, CS and CM are useful communicative resources, particularly in bilingual communities. It is recommended among others that every member of society should utilize this resource to realize optimum possible benefits. Furthermore, every member of society should be helped to develop positive attitude towards these natural phenomena in multilingual societies instead of the current widespread stigma by some people that CS and CM are nothing but tools of pride used by some arrogant individuals for showing off.