Due to the spread of English to so many parts of the world which was triggered during the colonial era and by migration of English-speaking people, the importance of English not only as a language of commerce, science and technology but also as an international language of communication has been realized (Platt, Weber, Ho 1984:1). This world-wide expansion of English means that it is now one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with well over four hundred million native speakers and roughly the same number who speak it as a second language (Barber 2000:236). Consequently, many varieties of English evolved which also means that English is used for many different purposes in varying social contexts. Whereas in North America, Australia and New Zealand the native English-language speakers outnumbered the original inhabitants (Amerindians, Australian Aborigines, Maoris), the native English-speaking community in South Africa is small with a vast majority of the population speaking Afrikaans and indigenous Bantu languages such as Zulu or Xhosa. In spite of this, South African English has undergone relatively little influence from the other languages of the country due to the long period of British domination and the cultural prestige of English (237). Therefore, social variations in the English language in South Africa are extant with very little regional variation.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 English in South Africa
- 2.1 Historical background
- 2.2 Sociolinguistic history of South African English
- 3 A multilingual society and its ethnical background
- 3.1 The formation of Afrikaans
- 3.2 Black South African English
- 3.3 The Bantu languages: Xhosa and Zulu
- 4 English as a means of linguistic imperialism
- 5 Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to examine the history and sociolinguistic impact of English in South Africa, considering its role as an official language in a multilingual nation. It explores the complexities of English's presence, acknowledging both its potential for empowerment and its historical association with colonialism and power imbalances. The thesis also investigates the influence of other languages, like Afrikaans and Bantu languages, on the evolution of South African English.
- The historical development of English in South Africa.
- The sociolinguistic impact of English on South African society.
- The relationship between English and other languages spoken in South Africa.
- The role of English in shaping social structures and power dynamics.
- Contradictory attitudes towards the English language in South Africa.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by highlighting the global spread of English and its various forms. It emphasizes the unique context of South Africa, where English coexists with Afrikaans and numerous Bantu languages, unlike regions where English speakers outnumbered indigenous populations. The introduction establishes the thesis's central question: How has English’s role in South Africa, both before and after apartheid, affected social justice and language preservation? It previews the contradictory attitudes toward English, viewing it as both a symbol of independence and a remnant of colonialism.
2 English in South Africa: This chapter delves into the historical and sociolinguistic background of English in South Africa, focusing on the development of South African English varieties. It contrasts the English-speaking population with the Dutch-speaking group, highlighting the historical tensions between them. The chapter lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of how different language varieties were influenced by and interacted with the English language, setting the stage for subsequent chapters examining the impact of these linguistic interactions on South African society.
2.1 Historical background: This section begins with a historical overview of the indigenous southern African population's contact with European seafarers. It traces the establishment of English in South Africa, connecting it to its sociolinguistic context. The section explores early human history in southern Africa, highlighting significant archaeological discoveries that offer insights into the region's pre-colonial past and the diverse population that came into contact with the arriving European colonizers, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion of the linguistic landscape they created.
3 A multilingual society and its ethnical background: This chapter examines the multilingual context of South African society, focusing on Afrikaans, Black South African English, and the Bantu languages (Xhosa and Zulu). It analyzes the historical formation of Afrikaans and its interaction with English, explores the unique features of Black South African English, and provides an overview of the Bantu languages and their impact on the overall linguistic landscape. It establishes the complex interplay between these languages and their roles in shaping South African identity and social dynamics. This understanding sets the scene for exploring the potential for both inclusivity and exclusion.
4 English as a means of linguistic imperialism: This chapter delves into a critical examination of the spread of English in South Africa and its potential role as a tool of linguistic imperialism. It explores how the dominance of English might have marginalized local languages and reinforced existing social hierarchies. This section draws connections between language dominance and power dynamics, highlighting the potential impact of language policy on social justice and the preservation of linguistic diversity.
Keywords
South African English, Afrikaans, Bantu languages, linguistic imperialism, multilingualism, colonialism, sociolinguistics, language policy, historical linguistics, social justice, language variation, power dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of South African English
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the history and sociolinguistic impact of English in South Africa. It examines the complex relationship between English and other languages spoken in the country, including Afrikaans and Bantu languages, and explores the role of English in shaping social structures and power dynamics.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an introduction, a section on English in South Africa (including historical background and sociolinguistic history), a section on South Africa's multilingual society and its ethnic background (covering Afrikaans, Black South African English, and Bantu languages like Xhosa and Zulu), a chapter on English as a means of linguistic imperialism, and a conclusion.
What are the main objectives and key themes of this thesis?
The main objectives are to examine the history and sociolinguistic impact of English in South Africa, its role as an official language in a multilingual nation, and the complexities of its presence, acknowledging both its potential for empowerment and its historical association with colonialism and power imbalances. Key themes include the historical development of English in South Africa, its sociolinguistic impact, the relationship between English and other languages, its role in shaping social structures and power dynamics, and contradictory attitudes towards English in South Africa.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction sets the stage by highlighting the global spread of English and its unique context in South Africa. Chapter 2 delves into the historical and sociolinguistic background of English in South Africa. Chapter 2.1 provides a historical overview of indigenous southern African population’s contact with European seafarers. Chapter 3 examines the multilingual context of South African society, focusing on Afrikaans, Black South African English, and Bantu languages. Chapter 4 critically examines the spread of English in South Africa and its potential role as a tool of linguistic imperialism.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include South African English, Afrikaans, Bantu languages, linguistic imperialism, multilingualism, colonialism, sociolinguistics, language policy, historical linguistics, social justice, language variation, and power dynamics.
What is the central question addressed by this thesis?
The central question is: How has English’s role in South Africa, both before and after apartheid, affected social justice and language preservation?
What is the significance of the historical background of English in South Africa?
This section traces the establishment of English in South Africa, connecting it to its sociolinguistic context and exploring early human history in southern Africa, highlighting significant archaeological discoveries that offer insights into the region's pre-colonial past and the diverse population that came into contact with arriving European colonizers.
How does this text analyze the role of English in South Africa?
The text analyzes English's role in South Africa from various perspectives, acknowledging its potential for empowerment alongside its historical association with colonialism and power imbalances. It explores the complexities of its influence on social structures, language preservation, and social justice.
What is the importance of multilingualism in the context of South Africa?
The text highlights the importance of understanding South Africa's multilingual context, including Afrikaans, Black South African English, and Bantu languages, to fully grasp the impact of English and the dynamics of power and identity formation within the country.
What is the significance of examining English as a means of linguistic imperialism in South Africa?
This critical examination explores how the dominance of English might have marginalized local languages and reinforced existing social hierarchies, connecting language dominance to power dynamics and the impact of language policy on social justice and linguistic diversity.
- Quote paper
- Hildegard Schnell (Author), 2009, English in South Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128948
