When Shikamoo Mama/Baba replaces Tukuwoni Mawu/Dadi: An account of shifting access rituals among the Ngoni of Tanzania

Abstract

The current paper is an attempt at providing an ethnographic description of Tanzanian Ngoni access rituals (greetings) considering verbal and visual aspects of these communicative rou-tines. Three methods of data collection were used, namely: role-play, semi-structured inter-view, and observation. The role-plays were used in order to see how the Ngoni apply their knowledge of this kind of access ritual still acquired in the course of growing up in their communities. Role-plays were recorded with a digital camcorder after the interviews had tak-en place. Semi-structured interviews were meant to provide insights into diachronic develop-ments such as how the expression of politeness through greetings may have changed. Obser-vation method was meant to capture behavioural patterns shown during greeting exchanges and notes were taken immediately thereafter. The main findings are that due to pervasive con-tact between Ngoni and Swahili, greetings tend to be brief today and there is a widespread use of code-switching by all age groups. The tendency to prefer Swahili is viewed by older mem-bers of the community as lack of respect whereas the younger generations regard the use of Swahili as more appropriate and as a reflection of social changes that have been taking place in the community.

A sociolinguistic analysis of verbal greetings, address forms and paralinguistic behaviours in Kisubi

“…However, other greeting terms have been over-ridden by certain terms from other languages, usually languages of the immediate community. This is affirmed by Mapunda (2017) who argues that in the past, when greeting father or mother, one could respectfully say tukuwoni dadi / mawu 'good morning father/mother'. Nowadays, such a greeting style has been replaced by the Swahili style: shikamoo baba / mama 'good morning father/mother'.…”

“…It goes without saying that the precursors of the politeness theory viewed politeness as a universal concept, and participants in an interaction have to see to it that they avoid causing discomfort or embarrassment to the collocutors. While the basic idea of "face" remains unchallenged, the argument that realisation of politeness is universal has been overtly criticized and has led to some conceptual modifications (Mapunda 2017). Mills (2011) as cited from Mapunda (2017) argues that in different cultures, politeness can be realized in different ways based on different values and premises, and has different functions other than protecting face.…”

“…While the basic idea of "face" remains unchallenged, the argument that realisation of politeness is universal has been overtly criticized and has led to some conceptual modifications (Mapunda 2017). Mills (2011) as cited from Mapunda (2017) argues that in different cultures, politeness can be realized in different ways based on different values and premises, and has different functions other than protecting face. As an example, she mentions discernment of individuals as an expression of politeness in specific contexts so that they are addressed and treated accordingly.…”