Language and Identity within the Decision Theory Framework: The Case of the Rendille People of Kenya

Abstract

The question pertaining to considerations made by individuals and members of a community for purposes of identity construction is often asked by scholars but the answers offered exhibit glaring variations. Language is cited by some individuals and groups as being propitious for identity formation while others cite other aspects of a people’s culture such as food, clothes, and such other considerations as genetic descent and geographical location. In this paper, we examine within the framework of the Decision Theory (DT), the factors relied upon by members of the Rendille ethnic community for identity formation. We demonstrate that based on some factors, the Rendillle identity is perceived to be in two levels; the broad and narrow identity. Ancestral descent is a useful factor in the formation of the broad Rendille identity while participation in certain rituals, initiation rites in particular, is critical in the formation of the narrow Rendille identity. Such levels form part of the Rendille culture and as Miyaoka (2001) points out, language may be said to be the last stronghold of culture. Ours, therefore, is a study in sociolinguistics paying particular attention to the Rendille community.