“Uc4c 2FA8” – A Linguistic Analysis of Sayings on Bajaji Passenger Tricycles in Dar es Salaam City

Abstract

The three-passenger tricycle, known as bajaji in Tanzania, is a popular means of public transport in Dar es Salaam. This popularity may be attributed to their affordable fares due to their efficient fuel consumption, short wait-time for passengers, and their slim size which allows them to slyly jump traffic queues. Many bajajis are inscribed with sayings that carry different messages in the form of texts, pictures, or a combination of both. Investigating these sayings reveals the motivation for writing them, their linguistic features, their sociolinguistic contexts of production, and various functions they serve. The main findings are that bajaji sayings carry different linguistic features, such as SMS features, slang, misspelling, different languages, and leetspeak spelling. The social functions which they serve include enthusing, entertaining, and instructing. The shortcomings of some of these inscriptions include the fact that some feature insulting language, and some celebrate and thereby may encourage selfish behaviour.