An Analysis of Impolite Language Used by Matatu Conductors: a Case Study of Matatus Plying Route 32 From Nairobi City Centre to Dandora, Nairobi County

Abstract

This project presents the result of a linguistic study on the impolite language used by matatu conductors. The study is conducted within the framework of Politeness Theory with focus being on Culpeper‟s Impoliteness Strategies (1996) borrowed from Politeness Theory (1987). Impoliteness strategies are the strategies used by the speaker to attack the positive and negative face of the hearer. These strategies include the Bald on Record Impoliteness, Positive Impoliteness, Negative Impoliteness, Off Record Impoliteness and Withhold Impoliteness. This research has endeavoured to answer the following questions: Which are the impolite speech acts that embody impolite language used by the conductors? What strategies of impoliteness are used by Matatu conductors? What motivating factors cause impoliteness? This research is conducted using the qualitative method while the data source for this research is „naturally occurring‟ conversation between conductors and passengers that contain impolite strategies. The data is collected using purposive sampling after which the data is analyzed into the five impolite strategies based on the theory. The research concludes that there are five strategies of impoliteness used in matatu conductor‟s discourse. Out of the five strategies, there are two dominant strategies namely negative impoliteness and positive impoliteness. Furthermore, the result reveals that a combination of two strategies can be used, such as positive impoliteness and bald on record impoliteness to intensify the illocutionary act and impoliteness. Finally, the findings revealed that power and social distance are the main motivating factors that cause impoliteness