In November 2024, Dr Elvis ResCue made a folllow up research trip to Zambia where he worked with our project colleague from the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Dr Benson Sitwe Mkandawire. On the same research trip, Elvis visited the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Zomba and collected data on youth language practices.
The data collected as part of the research trip aimed to delve into the lexical and morphosyntactic features of youth language, particularly focusing on how these practices manifest among tertiary students and in everyday interactions on the streets. Data collection was conducted in three key cities within Zambia—Lusaka, Livingstone, and the Copper Belt—and in Malawi, we explored the same phenomenon looking at youth language practices among tertiary students and people on the streets in Zomba.
The methodology employed included a combination of interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires, to provide indepth understanding of the language dynamics of youth language practices in both contexts.
Our research reveal an understanding of multilingualism among the youth in both countries. The youth language practices exhibited an intriguing blend of lexicons and morphosyntactic structures derived from the languages of the linguistic ecologies of the area. This multilingualism not only enriches the linguistic landscape but also reflects the cultural identities and social realities of young people in these regions. Perceptions of youth language practices were generally positive, with an emphasis on the context of communication. It was observed that these practices are predominantly utilised among close social circles, highlighting the importance of familiarity and social proximity in language choice. Factors such as the context of interaction—often informal—and social variables including age and gender significantly influenced language use.
Young speakers displayed a keen awareness of these dynamics, adapting their language practices to navigate social hierarchies and relationships effectively. The motivation behind the adoption of youth language practices were equally compelling. Participants indicated that these linguistic forms serve various social functions, from forming group identity to fostering solidarity among peers. In some instances, the use of youth language practices acted as a mechanism for exclusion, delineating in-groups from outsiders and reinforcing social boundaries.
In addition to the data collection, Elvis and Benson presented preliminary findings at the 3rd International Annual Conference for the Educational Research Association of Zambia (ERAZ) Conference in Lusaka. This platform provided an invaluable opportunity for academic discourse, allowing for the exchange of ideas and insights with fellow researchers and practitioners interested in sociolinguistics and youth culture.
This research trips were a great success enabling us to obtain various data that shed light on the linguistic innovation found in youth language practices in Zambia and Malawi while also providing avenues for further exploration into the societal influences that shape these practices. We look forward to sharing more detailed outcomes and insights in future publications, contributing to the ongoing dialogue in academia, industry, and social groups interested in the evolution of language in contemporary Africa.
Elvis ResCue
Postdoc, University of Essex, England
