Language and identity as notions of citizenry: Critical trajectories in the case of South Africa

Abstract

This article is premised on the theoretical intricacies embedded in issues of languages vis-à-vis identity and the relationship between identity, language orientations and citizenry. A theoretical social constructionist position of how people view identities versus language will be explored. In this regard it should be noted that identity goes beyond the conclusion that, while neither local nor national identity is necessarily ‘primary’, local identity is more likely to be ‘primary’, and to offer ideas about the conditions required for supra-national identities such as ‘global identity’ to become ‘primary’.

In order to determine whether interaction between language and identity in South Africa will ultimately promote citizenry and national identity, this article will explore ways in which identity is perceived as an issue of citizenry, constructed and lived in a multilingual educational and social setting. Naturally the overarching purpose here is to construct national identities through language policies in relation to imagined identities as a way of positioning individuals or oneself in a conundrum.

Furthermore, the article will outline how multilingualism as critical trajectory in a multicultural setting unfolds as it intersects with identities at various levels and in various contexts. An ethnographic account of language behaviour and practice will be delineated and discussed. There is also an in-depth consideration of the relationship between social categories such as ethnicity and group membership on the one hand and national identities on the other. The theoretical framework in terms of which the importance of the language-identity nexus is given its meaning is encapsulated in the premise that language and identity are ultimately inseparable. To answer the research question an explorative and qualitative approach is used.