Code-Switching and the Fictionality of Writing: Navigating Conversational and Situational Settings in F.A. Thuketana’s N’waninginingi ma ka Tindleve

Abstract

Code-switching has, among the Vatsonga, been predominantly studied in the education sector, particularly in the teaching and learning continuum, with limited studies, if any, from literary texts. In this study, the researcher explores the use and impact of code-switching by investigating the reasons behind the use of code-switching techniques by characters in the selected novel. Thus, it attempts to identify and evaluate the use of code-switching in F.A. Thuketana’s novel – N’waninginingi ma ka Tindleve. The study will adopt the qualitative research methodology and exploratory design to explore the use of code-switching in F.A. Thuketana’s novel. The sample of the study is composed of one novel by F.A. Thuketana, which was selected from a pool of his Xitsonga novel. The novel was selected for its unique display of code-switching in portraying characterisation. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the text for the study. Since it is a desk-top research, data will be collected entirely from the selected novel. The researcher will apply thematic analytic methods in the analysis of collected data.