Linguistic Manifestations of Age-Grade Status in Iraqw Address Term Practices

Abstract

This study examines linguistic manifestations of age-grade status among the Iraqw, a Southern Cushitic ethnic group in northern Tanzania. It identifies how life stages or age grades are conceptually distinguished in Iraqw terminology and then looks at how the use of address terms relates to concepts of age and seniority. Based on the qualitative methods of native speaker observations and interviews, the study analyses linguistic patterns across various social interactions such as greetings, conversations, and both formal and informal acts of address. Drawing on anthropological linguistics and the pragmatics of person reference, the findings reveal that age is conceptualized in terms of social roles rather than chronological age. The obligatory use of kinship terms and titles for older individuals reflects their superiority and the honour that is due to them, while the use of proper names, pronouns, endearments, and attention-getting interjections is often the choice for juniors, signifying their lower social status. The selection of address forms reveals distinct elements across relationships, with practices varying from focusing on relational status within families to combining age and marital status in affinal ties, and emphasizing age in non-relative interactions. Nevertheless, all address practices reflect deeply rooted cultural values of respect and hierarchy. This study indicates the subtle ways linguistic choices reinforce social structures, offering insights into how language, age, and social status intersect. It also contributes to broader discussions in sociolinguistics and anthropology by examining traditional address practices.

Keywords

• social indexicality
• age-grade status
• Iraqw
• address practices
• seniority