Language, identity and preservation : the case of African languages with special reference to Tshivenḓa

Abstract

The research in this dissertation explored the demise of African languages of South Africa, Tshivenḓa in particular. The Vhavenḓa are historically one of the ethnic groups which have been in South Africa for a long time. The economic activities at Mapungubwe have ensured that they are able to absorb some of the small groups that came to the area to conduct business with them. Due to frequent tribal clashes, the Vhavenḓa resorted, for strategic reasons, to living in mountainous areas. They also refused to work for the Europeans. This exclusion from other ethnic groups kept their language and identity pure. Ethnic clashes gradually faded and the economy called for a new lifestyle. At the same time, South Africa was developing into a nation and men from the Vhavenḓa ethnic group started migrating to various parts of South Africa in search of jobs. Some of these men were lost to their host ethnic groups. Women, however, remained as the reserve of the language. The economy, both nationally and globally, is permanently in a state of change and now male and female youth are migrating to the cities. The care of the language is thus left to senior citizens while the youth – who should be the future of the language – disappear to the cities. All these factors contributed to the demise of Tshivenḓa. This research explores the causes of the demise of African languages in South Africa, with specific reference to Tshivenḓa; and concludes by suggesting various ways in which Tshivenḓa as a language can be preserved.