Socio-Pragmatic Analysis of Context-Specific Honorific Forms in Lubukusu

Abstract

This study investigated the use of context-specific honorifics in Lubukusu. It specifically examined how honorific forms are linguistically realised and categorised by social and interactional contexts. Honorifics are important in social interaction because they help speakers express and negotiate relationships, status, affection, respect and social distance. It is against this premise that the study examined the forms and socio-pragmatic functions of honorifics in Lubukusu. The study is theoretically grounded in Kecskes's (2013) Socio-Cognitive Approach (SCA) to pragmatics. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative design. The study purposively sampled 24 native Lubukusu speakers from Bungoma West Sub-County. The study collected data primarily through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, supplemented by selected secondary materials. Data were transcribed and translated into English for analysis. A total of 50 context-specific honorific forms were identified from the combined primary and secondary data and categorised into four groups: familial, affectionate, occupational and age-based. The findings show that honorific forms are context-dependent and may perform different social actions, including expressing respect and social distance. This study adds knowledge to Lubukusu pragmatics and expands the understanding of the Lubukusu honorific system.