Browsing English by Author "Bagwasi, M.M."
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Alimi, M.M.; Bagwasi, M.M. (Sage Publications http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Using samples from local newspapers, letters and public speeches, this article argues that English assimilates to and reflects the Botswana culture through borrowing and semantic modification. It discusses those terminologies and expressions that depict the cultural values of Batswana in the usage of English in Botswana. Two types of borrowed items are discussed: those depicting old traditional practices that cannot be translated into English (kgosi and mophato) and those reflecting recent socio-political experiences in Botswana including the HIV/AIDS threat (tebelopele and omang). The people’s culture is also expressed by items such as brigade and the lands that have been semantically modified. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/728 Files in this item: 1
Alimi_JAAS_2009.pdf (1.466Mb) -
Bagwasi, M.M. (Multilingual Matters and Channel View Publications, http://www.multilingual matters.com, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: In multilingual societies such as Botswana, language use is an extremely complex matter, further compounded by the fact that the languages involved are themselves dynamic phenomena that often elude the planned outcomes of policies which try to shape and constrain them. The paper describes the functional distribution of the national language Setswana, spoken as a mother tongue by 80% of the population, and English, the official language in Botswana. The role of the two languages is outlined, with particular regard to cultural identity, on the one hand, and social and economic status on the other. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/831 Files in this item: 1
Bagwasi_LCC_2003.pdf (692.5Kb) -
Bagwasi, M.M. (Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Using a corpus of about 200 letters written during the time that Botswana was a British protectorate (1885–1966) by and to the British administrators on one hand, and letters written to and by Batswana (natives of Botswana) on the other hand, this paper explores the main differences and similarities between letter writing by Batswana and by the British. The study found that in the letters written by the British there is directness in presenting the point, very little stylistic ornamentation, and emphasis on information or content of the letters. The letters are more formal with shorter salutations and signatures. Letters written by Batswana on the other hand reveal that the conventions of letter writing in Setswana require greetings and an employment of address forms that convey respect and politeness in the Setswana culture. Letters written by Botswana thus have longer introductions and salutations which involve greetings and best wishes. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/731 Files in this item: 1
Bagwasi_JP_2008.pdf (1.100Mb)
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