Relativization Strategies in Chindali

Purpose: This paper investigates the strategies employed in the formation of relative clauses (RCs) in Chindali as spoken in Ileje district of Songwe region in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were gathered through text collection and introspection. To inform the study, 10 informants were sampled using the purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The collection and analysis of the data were guided by Kayne's (1994) Promotion Theory and the Interpretivism Philosophical Paradigm. Findings: The study revealed that Chindali employs relative pronoun, gapping, and pronoun retention strategies to form its RCs. The article concludes that relativization strategies differ depending on the language. The study supplements the little existing literature in Chindali. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study has contributed to the development of the theory through empirical data from Chindali that show the importance of the agreement and dependency structure to accomplish the relativisation process. It is suggested that policymakers place more attention on ethnic community languages in order to promote them. The study recommends further research on the structure of Chindali RCs to identify the position of RCs in relation to the head noun.