Ku tshikileriwa ka ririmi ra Xitsonga eAfrica-Dzonga

Abstract

Language has been instrumental for the political, economic and cultural participation of a particular nation or tribe. The danger that comes with undermining or marginalising a particular language is that it might destroy the future of a particular people. Even though the democratic government of South Africa declared eleven languages as official, there is evidence that some languages are still undermined and marginalised. This article argues that Xitsonga as one of the languages of the previously disadvantaged people continues to be marginalised to date. The goal to see this language flourishing as indicated in the South African Constitution is far from the lived reality, which has led to the writing of this research article. The main argument the article intends to expose is that if it is correct that eleven langauges are official, and they all should play a role in the transformation of this country, it stands to reason then that Xitsonga should also recieve the attention it deserves with regard to its promotion without being undermined, discouraged or marginalised.