Since 1996, South Africa is a country of 11 official languages. Some of them interfere more than others but each of them contributes to creating the South African English . SAE “is an established and unique dialect, with strong influences from Afrikaans and the country's many African languages.”(SA info) So when all South Africans speak their lingua franca and their mothertongue they are at least bilingual if not multilingual. What I want to find out here, is whether bilingualism means obtaining several cultures in South Africa or if the use of the powerful SAE, which is also called ‘killer-language’, leads to a loss of cultures.
English, of course, seems to be a global lingua franca and therefore it is powerful and it intends a higher education of its speakers. In South Africa, “fewer than ten per cent of people speak English at home.”(Spot on) but “all South African pupils learn English, and it’s the language most schools use to teach other subjects.” (Spot on). That is a great chance for the pupils but problems arise when some children speak better than their teachers who learned their mothertongue or the former official language, Afrikaans, themselves.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Multilingualism in South Africa
- South Africa's official languages
- Development of Language Use in South Africa
- Definition Bilingualism / Multilingualism
- Identity and Language
- Definition Identity
- Language Value and Power
- South African Identity
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between multilingualism and identity in South Africa, specifically examining whether the dominance of South African English (SAE) leads to cultural loss or the acquisition of multiple cultural identities. It explores the impact of SAE as a "killer language" and its role in education and society.
- Multilingualism in South Africa and its official languages.
- The historical development of language use in South Africa.
- The complex relationship between language, identity, and power.
- The role of South African English (SAE) as a lingua franca and its influence on cultural identity.
- The challenges and opportunities presented by multilingualism in education.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by highlighting South Africa's multilingual landscape and the unique status of South African English (SAE). It introduces the central research question: Does the prevalence of SAE lead to cultural loss or the integration of multiple cultural identities? The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex interplay between language, power, and cultural preservation within the South African context. The author also notes the challenges faced by teachers and students due to varying levels of English proficiency.
Multilingualism in South Africa: This chapter delves into the eleven official languages of South Africa, their historical development, and their current usage. It provides a statistical overview of language prevalence, highlighting the dominance of English in education and media, despite being spoken at home by a minority. The chapter critically examines the definition of "mother tongue" in a multilingual society, contrasting the traditional Western concept with Webb's suggestion of "primary" and "non-primary" languages, acknowledging the limitations of any single definition. The chapter also explores the efforts to promote indigenous languages through media and other initiatives, acknowledging their limited reach.
Identity and Language: This chapter examines the multifaceted relationship between language and identity in South Africa. It explores the definition of identity, focusing on how language contributes to the construction of individual and collective identities. The chapter discusses the role of language in power dynamics, analyzing how the dominance of SAE influences perceptions of identity and status. The section on South African identity highlights the challenges and complexities involved in forging a national identity in a highly diverse and multilingual society.
Keywords
South African English (SAE), Multilingualism, Language Policy, Identity, Cultural Identity, Language and Power, Bilingualism, Indigenous Languages, Afrikaans, Education, Language Acquisition, Post-Apartheid South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Multilingualism and Identity in South Africa
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper investigates the relationship between multilingualism and identity in South Africa, focusing on the impact of South African English (SAE) on cultural preservation and the development of multiple cultural identities. It examines SAE's role as a "killer language" and its influence in education and society.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include multilingualism in South Africa and its official languages; the historical development of language use in South Africa; the complex relationship between language, identity, and power; the role of SAE as a lingua franca and its influence on cultural identity; and the challenges and opportunities presented by multilingualism in education.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the scene by highlighting South Africa's multilingual landscape and the unique status of SAE. It introduces the central research question regarding SAE's impact on cultural identity and emphasizes the interplay between language, power, and cultural preservation in South Africa. It also notes challenges faced by teachers and students due to varying English proficiencies.
What does the chapter on "Multilingualism in South Africa" discuss?
This chapter details South Africa's eleven official languages, their historical development, and current usage. It provides a statistical overview of language prevalence, emphasizing English's dominance in education and media despite its minority home use. It critically examines the definition of "mother tongue" in a multilingual context, contrasting traditional Western concepts with alternative views. Finally, it explores efforts to promote indigenous languages.
What is the focus of the chapter on "Identity and Language"?
This chapter explores the complex relationship between language and identity in South Africa. It examines the definition of identity, focusing on language's role in constructing individual and collective identities. It analyzes the role of language in power dynamics, particularly how SAE's dominance influences perceptions of identity and status. It also highlights the challenges of forging a national identity in a diverse, multilingual society.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include South African English (SAE), Multilingualism, Language Policy, Identity, Cultural Identity, Language and Power, Bilingualism, Indigenous Languages, Afrikaans, Education, Language Acquisition, and Post-Apartheid South Africa.
What is the overall objective of this research?
The paper aims to understand the relationship between multilingualism and identity in South Africa, specifically exploring whether the dominance of SAE results in cultural loss or the integration of multiple cultural identities.
What kind of information is provided in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents provides a structured overview of the paper, including an introduction, chapters on multilingualism in South Africa and identity and language, a conclusion, and a list of references.
Where can I find the chapter summaries?
The provided HTML includes concise summaries of each chapter, providing an overview of the key arguments and findings of each section.
- Quote paper
- Daniela Kröner (Author), 2007, Language and identity in South Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/78869
