Codifying the New Dialects in South Africa (original) (raw)

2001

Abstract

The South African Constitution of 1996 makes provision for eleven official languages. Culture and language are seen as the two most important identity parameters in South Africa. However, the abolition of apartheid has introduced a social mobility, erstwhile denied to all, which is shaping new identities. This article examines the history of language policies in South Africa and advocates that in order to implement viable language and/or cultural policies in this country in transition, one needs to first consider the way in which South Africans are using language to express their newly-found identity as citizens of a democracy.

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