At the beginning of our seminar with the title ‘Southern Hemisphere English’ we agreed on a short definition of what we see as linguistic or language situation. The linguistic situation describes the ethnic and / or regional distribution as well as the social and functional distribution and hierarchy of the languages or varieties that are used for communication in a certain, generally administrative territory, according to prevalent ethnic, political, socio-economic and cultural conditions. It is always the result of historical processes and largely depends on the language policy adopted in the territory.
I start the paper with a short look at Zimbabwe’s colonial history. Later on I examine the linguistic situation and the kind of language policy existing in Zimbabwe. In this context I talk about the languages spoken in Zimbabwe, their status and functions and the speakers’ attitudes towards those languages. Furthermore, I give a short summary of the results of the Harare 1997 Intergovernmental Conference on Language Policies in Africa. Finally, I try to give an impression of some of the peculiarities of the variety of English spoken in Zimbabwe. Due to the contact with and the influence of the indigenous language Shona there is some notable lexical, syntactical as well as phonological variation. Other features I deal with are the social varieties of English in Zimbabwe and the role of English in Zimbabwean literature.
In summary, this paper aims at illustrating the linguistic situation in this former British colony by looking at the legal regulations (de jure situation), concerning the status and functions of the languages spoken most widely, as well as the de facto situation and the relation between the two. Apart from that, I also want to give an impression of the kind of English spoken in Zimbabwe and maybe find out whether something like a Zimbabwean variety of English exists.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The History of Zimbabwe – Colonial Background
- Linguistic Situation and Language Policy
- Languages
- Status, Functions and Attitudes
- Language Policy and the 1997 Harare Conference on Language Policies in Africa
- Zimbabwean English
- The Influence of Shona
- Phonological Variation
- Lexico-Semantic Variation
- Grammar and Syntax
- Sociolects
- The Influence of Shona
- Zimbabwean Literature
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to illustrate the linguistic situation in Zimbabwe, a former British colony, by examining both the legal regulations (de jure) and the actual practice (de facto) concerning the status and functions of its most widely spoken languages. It also explores the characteristics of Zimbabwean English and investigates the existence of a distinct Zimbabwean variety.
- The historical context of Zimbabwe's linguistic situation, shaped by colonialism.
- The interplay between indigenous languages (like Shona) and English.
- The status, functions, and attitudes towards different languages in Zimbabwe.
- The influence of Shona on the phonology, lexicon, and grammar of Zimbabwean English.
- The role of English in Zimbabwean literature.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by referencing John Adams's prediction of English's global dominance, highlighting the legacy of colonialism in shaping the spread of English. It defines the concept of "linguistic situation," emphasizing the interplay of ethnic, regional, social, and functional factors, and the influence of language policy. The author outlines the paper's structure, previewing its examination of Zimbabwe's colonial history, linguistic situation, language policy, Zimbabwean English, and the role of English in Zimbabwean literature. The limited availability of source material in Berlin is also acknowledged.
The History of Zimbabwe - Colonial Background: This chapter details the colonial history of Zimbabwe, beginning with Cecil Rhodes's acquisition of a charter for British South Africa. It traces the early colonization, the conflicts with the Ndebele, the declaration of Rhodesia as a British protectorate, and the establishment of English as the official language. The chapter emphasizes the growing European settler population and their increasing political influence, culminating in Southern Rhodesia's self-governance and the discriminatory laws that excluded Africans from land ownership and political participation. The creation and dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and the unilateral declaration of independence by Ian Smith's government are also discussed, highlighting the persistent power imbalance.
Linguistic Situation and Language Policy: This section delves into the linguistic landscape of Zimbabwe, analyzing the status, functions, and attitudes toward the various languages spoken. It would explore the impact of language policy, likely referencing the 1997 Harare Conference on Language Policies in Africa and its implications for Zimbabwe. The chapter likely covers the official languages and their use in different social and administrative contexts. It also probably examines the complex relationship between the indigenous languages and English, considering their relative prestige and domains of use.
Zimbabwean English: This chapter focuses on the specific variety of English spoken in Zimbabwe. It examines the influence of the indigenous language Shona on the phonology, lexicon, and grammar of Zimbabwean English, providing specific examples of variations. It also likely investigates the existence of different sociolects of English, reflecting social class or regional differences. The chapter aims to provide a detailed analysis of how contact with Shona has shaped the evolution of Zimbabwean English into a unique variety.
Keywords
Zimbabwe, English language, language policy, colonialism, Shona, bilingualism, linguistic situation, language contact, Zimbabwean English, sociolects, language attitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Zimbabwe
What is the focus of this language preview?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview of the linguistic situation in Zimbabwe, examining its historical context, language policies, the interplay between indigenous languages (primarily Shona) and English, and the characteristics of Zimbabwean English. It also explores the role of English in Zimbabwean literature.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes: an Introduction; The History of Zimbabwe – Colonial Background; Linguistic Situation and Language Policy (covering languages, status/functions/attitudes, and the 1997 Harare Conference); Zimbabwean English (including the influence of Shona on phonology, lexicon, and grammar, and sociolects); and Zimbabwean Literature.
What are the key objectives and themes?
The main objective is to illustrate Zimbabwe's linguistic situation by examining both the legal regulations and actual practice regarding language status and function. Key themes include the historical context shaped by colonialism; the interplay between indigenous languages and English; the status, functions, and attitudes toward different languages; the influence of Shona on Zimbabwean English; and the role of English in Zimbabwean literature.
What does the chapter on "The History of Zimbabwe - Colonial Background" cover?
This chapter details Zimbabwe's colonial history, starting with Cecil Rhodes and British South Africa Company, covering conflicts with the Ndebele, the declaration of Rhodesia as a British protectorate, the establishment of English as the official language, the growing European settler population and its influence, discriminatory laws, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and Ian Smith's unilateral declaration of independence, highlighting the persistent power imbalance.
What is discussed in the "Linguistic Situation and Language Policy" section?
This section analyzes the linguistic landscape of Zimbabwe, focusing on the status, functions, and attitudes toward various languages. It explores the impact of language policy, referencing the 1997 Harare Conference, official languages and their use, and the complex relationship between indigenous languages and English, including their prestige and domains of use.
What aspects of Zimbabwean English are examined?
The chapter on Zimbabwean English examines the influence of Shona on its phonology, lexicon, and grammar, providing specific examples of variations. It also investigates the existence of different sociolects, reflecting social class or regional differences, and analyzes how contact with Shona has shaped Zimbabwean English into a unique variety.
What keywords are associated with this language preview?
Keywords include: Zimbabwe, English language, language policy, colonialism, Shona, bilingualism, linguistic situation, language contact, Zimbabwean English, sociolects, and language attitudes.
What is the overall purpose of this document?
The document aims to provide a structured and professional analysis of the linguistic situation in Zimbabwe, intended for academic use. It provides a concise overview suitable for research or study purposes.
Where can I find more detailed information on this topic?
The preview itself notes limited source material in Berlin. Further research would need to consult academic journals, books, and other resources specializing in Zimbabwean linguistics and history.
- Quote paper
- Franziska Böttcher (Author), 2002, The linguistic situation in Zimbabwe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/73978
