Full Description
Language in South Africa (LiSA) debates the role of language and language planning in the reconstruction, development and transformation of post-apartheid democratic South Africa. The 1996 constitution of South Africa is founded on the political philosophy of pluralism and is directed at promoting democratic values, equity and non-discrimination, human rights, national unity and the development of all the country's communities. The question asked in LiSA is how language planning can contribute towards the attainment of these national ideals. Set against the language political realities of the country — the a-symmetric power relations between the languages; the striking differences in the structural; functional and symbolic adaptation of the official languages; and the many language-related problems in the country — it debates the role of language in state administration, national integration, educational development and economic development. The volume concludes with a discussion of language development and language management.
Contents
1. List of figures, tables, abbreviations, notes on terms, examples of languages, acknowledgements and maps; 2. Preface; 3. 1. Invisible voices: The problem of language in South Africa; 4. 2. Exploring the maze: Language policy and language planning for South Africa: the frameworks; 5. 3. The nature of things: A sociolinguistic profile of South Africa; 6. 4. For the people, by the people: Language and state administration; 7. 5. The power of one: Language and nation; 8. 6. Growing potential: Language in education; 9. 7. Spreading the wealth: Language and economic development; 10. 8. Giving voice: Language promotion; 11. 9. Steering the course: Language management; 12. Bibliography; 13. Index
