Pragmatic marker tu as a source of implicature in Kiswahili
Pragmatic marker tu as a source of implicature in Kiswahili

Author(s): Magreth J. Kibiki
Subject(s): Cultural history, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: pragmatic markers; spoken Kiswahili; implicature theory
Summary/Abstract: This study examines the pragmatic marker tu as a source of implicature in Kiswahili. The natural observation method was used to collect data from Kiswahili speakers in their normal daily conversations, which was then analyzed using Grice’s (1975) implicature theory. It was observed that the pragmatic marker tu conveys various implicatures depending on the context of use. These include expressing inadequacy or insufficiency, signaling dissatisfaction, showing contempt, inevitability and simplicity. Interestingly, the findings of the study also showed that intonation plays a role in determining the implicature invoked by this marker.

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