Our project investigates language use and language attitudes in the informal labour market in Malawi. It focuses on language practices in urban and semi-urban marketplaces in each region of Malawi. The project adopts a mixed methods approach, consisting of qualitative ethnography and a quantitative skills survey examining background, economic activity, and language use.

This research is important because the links between language and the economy are not widely understood and even less is known about the role which language plays within the informal economy. Understanding how language is used in multilingual contexts like Malawi is crucial in enabling citizens to effectively access and participate in socio-economic development.

We are interested in looking at language use and attitudes in marketplaces because they are key aspects of people’s daily lives – both for people working in the market and for customers – and they are a very visible part of the informal economy in Malawi.

The project is funded by the British Academy and is a collaboration between the University of Stirling, University of Glasgow, and University of Malawi.