Language, urbanisation and identity: Young black residents from Pretoria in South Africa

Abstract

This article focuses on relationships between language and identity among young black urbanites from Pretoria in South Africa. The role of black ethnic languages, Sepitori ‒ an urban variety ‒ and English are investigated. Focus groups conducted with black Pretorians were thematically analysed revealing patterns of dual or shifting identities. Participants attached high value to ethnic languages, which were important in defining ethnic identities. Ethnic languages were however associated with mono-cultural environments such as home and rural areas. In contrast, Sepitori defined newly constructed urban identities and fostered interaction within multicultural and multilingual urban environments. English was estimated highly as global language related to work and educational environments, but held little identity value. Conclusions are drawn regarding language and identity in urban South African environments.