Traditional and modern speech styles: their implications for the future development of the Zulu language

Abstract

This is a study based on language variation in Zulu, in the Northern Kwazulu-Natal region. It is important however, to note that speech styles do occur in other Black communities. The main purpose of this study is to show that every person has his/her own way of speaking. Speakers are responsible for innovations. Therefore, successful innovations lead to change in the language system. Data collected during our research show that language does change as language improve. This change is caused by the fact that most people in South Africa are bilingual or multilingual, therefore, they use different languages in different situations. More especially, people tend to choose a language which will allow them to communicate effectively in a particular situation. Bilingualism and multilingualism cause people to switch from one .• language to another. Mixing a..n d switching languages is natural, and often people aren't aware that they are changing languages. Research has shown that people who have access to a narrow range of stylistic options will suffer educational disadvantage. It is much more important for growing, young children to be exposed to a variety of speech styles. No variety, according to our investigation, should be looked upon as inferior, because every individual's speech has a contribution to the society in which he lives or belongs.