Do South Africans Tolerate Linguistic Diversity

Linguistic attitudes among English varieties in South
Africa Do South Africans tolerate English linguistic diversity?
Presented at the Faculty for Anglistic
University of Potsdam
Bachelor thesis
In partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree Bachelor of
Arts (B.A.)

Frauke Ferber

University of Potsdam
Department for Anglistik/Amerikanistik
Supervisor: M.A. Oriyama Deffa
Co-Supervisor: M.A. Arne Peters
Literature Review
11 744 words
24th March 2013

Do South Africans tolerate English linguistic diversity?

Content
1 Abstract

2

2 Introduction

3

3 Definitions

4

3.1 Stereotypes and Language Attitudes

4

3.2 Tolerance

5

4 English language history in South Africa
4.1 Historical Background

7
7

5 Current Statistical Distribution of English in South Africa

10

6 Current South African English language attitudes

10

7 South African English varieties

13

7.1 English-speaking South African English

19

7.2 Black South African English

21

7.3 Coloured South African English

23

7.4 Afrikaans English

24

7.5 South African Indian English

24

8 Conclusion

25

8.1 Discussion

25

8.2 Implications

28

9 Sources
Appendix 1 German Summary

31
31

1

Do South Africans tolerate English linguistic diversity?

1 Abstract
In the ongoing search for identity, the turbulent history of Johannesburg
(and South Africa) resulted in a society that is “torn between the extremes of
utopian dreamworld and dystopian nightmare.” (Murray 2008; 2). Murray
describes it as a place that is being pulled by the illusive dream of a steady
income and pushed by despair and hopelessness where thousands are in
search of a better life. Yet, possibilities for socioeconomic advancement are
“largely restricted to those with inherited wealth, talents and educational
attainment” (Murray 2008; 16). Not only do Murray’s aspects seem to
guarantee economic success in South Africa but...