A sociopragmatic analysis of address terms in Iraqw

Abstract

This study investigated address terms used in Iraqw speech community. It dealt with four major categories of address terms frequently employed to address people within the community, their social usage and the role of age, sex, status and family relationship in the choice of address terms. Data were collected through observations and interviews. The results revealed that, address terms depicted the social relationship that exists between the speaker and addressee. In this case, there are address terms used to show relations among family members, relatives, non-family members, and strangers. The choice of address terms was governed by social variables. Among other variables: age, sex, status, and family relationship between the addresser and addressee play a significant role to determine the choice of address terms in Iraqw community. Failure to consider those variables in the context of conversation among Iraqw people do not only risk interpersonal relationship among the interlocuters but also result into communication breakdown. It is recommended that Iraqw speakers should consider the social variables that govern the conversation between the speaker and addressee for effective and fruitful social interactions.