Borrowings in Texts: A Case of Tanzanian Newspapers

Abstract

We have observed that not only does borrowing feature in aural data; it is also prominent in written texts, specifically in newspapers. This paper examines the use of borrowed words found in issues of Tanzanian newspapers from 2007 to 2009. The study also sought views from newspaper writers through a qualitative and well structured questionnaire on reasons why they would prefer using borrowed English words to Kiswahili native words. The analysis of the questionnaire shows that sometimes Kiswahili words were either too lengthy or writers use English items as means of prestige, sophistication or even sometimes for stylistic purposes, among others. We also noted that although writers treat English items as Kiswahili, the Kiswahili class systems are not affected. Traces of evidences of spelling variations of these English borrowed items into Kiswahili confirm assertions made by other scholars in this field that most borrowed items are not standardized.

Keywords: loanwords, nativization, newspapers, borrowing.