The diglossic relationship between Shona and English languages in Zimbabwean secondary schools
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Authors
Chivhanga, Ester
Issue Date
2009-08-25T10:58:18Z
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Diglossia , Sociolinguistics , African languages , Medium of instruction , Underdevelopment of indigenous language , Word division in Shona , High variety language , Low variety language , Diglossic relationships , Triglossia , Code switching , Bilingualism , Multilingualism
Alternative Title
Abstract
The research highlights the problems of the diglossic relationship between Shona and English in the teaching-learning situation in Zimbabwe secondary schools. It focuses on how English as a high variety language adversely affects the performance of learners writing 'O' level Shona examinations in secondary schools. The research also confirms that teachers and learners of Shona in Zimbabwean secondary schools have a negative attitude towards Shona.
Finally, the use of English in the teaching of Shona, the less hours allocated to Shona, the low esteem of Shona vis-à-vis the dominance of English and the association of English with social mobility impact on the attitude of students towards Shona as a subject. This linguistic attitude coupled with orthographic problems causes low passes in Shona at 'O' level. Hence, one proposes, language awareness campaigns and the use of Shona in the teaching of practical criticism and grammar.
Description
Citation
Chivhanga, Ester (2009) The diglossic relationship between Shona and English languages in Zimbabwean secondary schools, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1943>