Cataphora in Swahili: Its Socio-Pragmatic Functions

This study investigates cataphora in Swahili with a particular emphasis on its socio-pragmatic functions. As can be observed in many other languages, anaphoric references tend to be in more frequent use than cataphoric ones seemingly in view of the fact that anaphoric references designate a word stated in an earlier utterance or sentence. Put it another way, anaphoric reference can be defined as the repetitive arrangement of a word in a linear sequence. This study aims to explore a rather neglected, but significant research topic and inquire into some plausible language-specific factors and motivational aspects that lead to the intermittent occurrence of intra-/inter-sentential cataphora. The structural particularities of internal arrangement and socio-pragmatic functions of cataphora are minutely examined by being based on naturally occurring utterances and those drawn from SNSs. This study aims at being implemental in having a multi-facetted understanding of why speakers use a forward-referring linguistic device and of how language-specific particularities induce speakers to rely on cataphora for anticipatory, emphatic and effective communications.