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). In my research paper I will provide an overview of the English language in South Africa by looking at its origins concerning the historical background. Furthermore, I am going to focus on the English language in South Africa in more detail in order to point out the influence of the immigrants’ speech from England and Scotland on some phonetic features of South African English. Eventually, I am going to discuss whether the spread of English can be seen as an evidence of a “killer language” which has been used as a tool for subtle linguistic imperialism, occurring at the expense of local languages, stabilizing hierarchical structures and reinforcing existing status differentials (de Klerk 1996: 7-8).
So, the main purpose of my paper is to show that the English language in South Africa before, during and after apartheid policy is one of the official languages since there is more than one local language in a multilingual nation. While English in South Africa is seen by many “as a medium of achieving and announcing independence and maturity, for many others English represent colonialism, power and elitism, and acts as a vehicle of values not always in harmony with local traditions and beliefs” (de Klerk 1996: 7).
In this chapter, I will focus on the historical and social background of the English language in South Africa in regard to different language varieties. In the following, based on Roger Lass’s article “South African English”, I will, as I mentioned before, refer to the historical background of the English language in South Africa and so discuss the aspect of different language varieties that were influenced by the English language. Then, concerning L.W. Lanham’s The Standard in South African English and its Social History, I will point out in which way the English language developed there. By referring to the historical background in more detail, I will eventually focus on Josef Schmied’s English in Africa, thus stressing the strategic importance of South Africa for the British.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- English in South Africa
- Historical background
- The English language in South Africa
- The South African community
- Ethnical structure and language
- A multilingual society
- English: A "Killer Language" in a multilingual context?
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to provide an overview of the English language in South Africa, examining its historical development and its role within a multilingual society. It explores the impact of English on local languages and considers whether its spread constitutes linguistic imperialism. The paper also investigates the contrasting attitudes towards English in South Africa, acknowledging both its association with independence and its legacy of colonialism.
- Historical development of English in South Africa
- Influence of English on South African language varieties
- The multilingual context of South Africa
- English as a "killer language" and its impact on social structures
- Contradictory attitudes towards English in South Africa
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the global significance of English as a language of commerce, science, and international communication. The author outlines the paper's objectives, which include exploring the historical background of English in South Africa, examining its influence on language varieties, and analyzing its role in a multilingual society. A crucial theme introduced is the controversial position of English in South Africa, viewed by some as a symbol of independence and maturity, while others see it as a tool of colonialism and elitism.
English in South Africa: This chapter delves into the historical and social context of English in South Africa, focusing on the evolution of different language varieties. It traces the arrival of English through British military forces and the strategic importance of the Cape sea route. The chapter analyzes the impact of the 1820 Settlers and the proclamation of 1822, which aimed to establish English as the official language. It contrasts the successes of this policy with the persistence of Dutch and the subsequent emergence of Afrikaans as a distinct language influenced by both Dutch and English. The chapter also highlights the differing experiences and perspectives of English- and Dutch-speaking groups throughout South Africa's history.
The South African community: This section would have examined the social and linguistic dynamics within the South African community, including the ethnic structure and the consequences of multilingualism. It likely would have discussed the contentious issue of English's potential role as a "killer language," potentially displacing indigenous languages and perpetuating social inequalities. This chapter would have provided a critical analysis of the societal impact of English's dominance in South Africa.
Keywords
South African English, language varieties, multilingualism, historical linguistics, linguistic imperialism, colonialism, Afrikaans, language identity, social inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of English in South Africa
What is the overall focus of this research paper?
This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the English language in South Africa, exploring its historical development, its role within a multilingual society, and its impact on local languages. It examines the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards English in South Africa, acknowledging both its association with independence and its legacy of colonialism. The paper also investigates whether the spread of English constitutes linguistic imperialism.
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 the language's role in the country), a section on the South African community (exploring ethnic structure, multilingualism, and the potential for English to be a "killer language"), a Conclusion, and a list of References.
What are the key objectives and themes of the research?
The main objectives are to examine the historical development of English in South Africa, its influence on South African language varieties, the multilingual context of the country, the potential for English to act as a "killer language," and the contrasting attitudes towards English within South African society. Key themes include the historical development of English in South Africa, its impact on local languages, multilingualism, and the debate around linguistic imperialism.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction sets the stage, highlighting the global importance of English and outlining the paper's objectives. The chapter on "English in South Africa" delves into its historical context, tracing its arrival and spread, examining the impact of the 1820 Settlers and the 1822 proclamation, and exploring the development of Afrikaans. The chapter on "The South African Community" (although not fully detailed in the preview) would have analyzed the social and linguistic dynamics of the multilingual South African community, focusing on the potential impact of English as a "killer language" and its role in social inequalities.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include South African English, language varieties, multilingualism, historical linguistics, linguistic imperialism, colonialism, Afrikaans, language identity, and social inequality.
What is the significance of the 1820 Settlers and the 1822 proclamation?
The 1820 Settlers and the 1822 proclamation are significant because they represent attempts to establish English as the official language of South Africa. The research explores the success and limitations of these policies in the context of the existing Dutch language and the subsequent emergence of Afrikaans.
How does this paper address the concept of English as a "killer language"?
The paper explores the controversial idea of English as a "killer language" in the South African context, examining whether its dominance leads to the displacement of indigenous languages and contributes to social inequalities. This is a central theme of the research.
What are the contrasting attitudes towards English in South Africa?
The research acknowledges the contrasting views on English in South Africa: some view it as a symbol of independence and progress, while others see it as a tool of colonialism and a perpetuator of elitism. This duality is a key aspect of the analysis.
- Citation du texte
- Hildegard Schnell (Auteur), 2006, Aspects of the English language in South Africa - focusing on language identity and language varieties, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/70223
