Analyzing The Use of Code Switching and Code Mixing in Joel Kimetto’s Songs

Abstract

Language is an important tool in our society and in human life in particular. It plays an essential function not only in communication but also in restoring and maintaining harmony in interpersonal relationships. The style in which language is used portrays a lot about the language users and the audience. This paper focuses on two major codes in language that have become common with language users in recent times. These are: code switching and code mixing. Language users have different reasons as to why they employ the two codes. Amongst some, the two codes could be used to display their creativity. This study specifically analyzed the use of code switching and code mixing in four of Joel Kimetto’s religious songs (Hatari Corona, Wolowoli, Rat Torosta & Kichigili). In his earlier songs, Joel Kimetto sang his lyrics using purely the Kipsigis language. In recent times, though, his songs are marked by switches and mixes from other languages, English, and Kiswahili. These two languages are the official languages in Kenya, with the Kiswahili language being recognized as the national language too. This explains why there is frequent and inevitable contact of these two languages and the Kenyan indigenous languages, resulting in code switching and code mixing by language users. The researcher was interested in highlighting the switches and mixes in Joel Kimetto’s songs, establishing the reasons why the artist uses them, and the attitude of the listeners towards their usage. The researcher listened to Joel Kimetto’s songs and described the switches and mixes. An interview with the artist was carried out to establish the reasons for the usage. A selected target population of 40 Kipsigis language respondents was picked, and a questionnaire was used to survey their attitudes towards the usage of code switching and code mixing in the selected Joel Kimetto’s songs.