LANGUAGE MAINTENANCE: THE CASE OF CHISENGA IN MCHINJI DISTRICT

Abstract

This study focuses on maintenance of Chisenga, a minority language spoken in Mchinji district situated in the central western part of Malawi that borders with Zambia. The study aims at exploring factors governing the maintenance of Chisenga among the Nsenga that settled within the predominant Chichewa speaking area. The methodology was predominantly quantitative although some elements of qualitative approach were included. Key informant interviews were conducted with the chiefs, elders and some businessmen. Questionnaires were also administered to the general public in the three villages. Findings of the study show that community centred initiatives, endogamous marriages, frequent home visits, the home language policy, Mudziwathu radio station and cross-border trade have all enhanced the maintenance of Chisenga in spite of years of prolonged contact with Chichewa. The study concludes that the trading patterns that have taken place along the border for so many years, cultural orientation and lately the blossoming of media institutions that use Chisenga both in Malawi and Zambia have greatly influenced people to maintain the language along the border. The study argues that the maintenance of Chisenga in Mchinji depends on these varying factors, a large contribution from its status in trade.