Kiswahili Language Deficiencies in Print Media: Interrogating the Policies, Guidelines and Practices of Selected Kiswahili Newspapers in Tanzania

Abstract

Over the decades now, Kiswahili newspapers have attracted criticism from stakeholders primarily because of writing the language poorly or incorrectly (Massamba, 2004; Serengeti Advisers, 2012; Tanzania Media Fund, 2013; Gidion, 2016). Most of these complaints originate from exploratory or explanatory studies as well as from individual experience after reading Kiswahili newspapers. This paper, therefore, sought to explore systematically the situation and come up with empirical evidence that can explain why Kiswahili newspapers are alleged to write the language poorly. Using a case study design, the researcher studied three giant serious private media houses, which were purposively selected—one newspaper from each media house—to generate crucial data from their editors, proof-readers, and reporters. Using in-depth interviews with these media professionals, the study found that Kiswahili mastery is paradoxically not a criterion for employing reporters and editors for these Kiswahili newspapers. The main criterion for their employment is training in Journalism or Mass Communication. Moreover, media houses lack personnel development plans and on-the-job language training policies and programmes. Furthermore, there is an uneven distribution of linguistic capital in the newsrooms.