The Sociolinguistic Specifics of English in South Africa

Authors

  • Ekaterina V. Kovaltsova Belgorod National Research University
  • Svetlana A. Kosharnaya Belgorod National Research University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52575/2712-7451-2023-42-3-531-536

Keywords:

decolonisation, English language, linguistic resistance, colonialism, multilingualism

Abstract

The authors pay attention to the problem of language disparity, despite the government's recognition of eleven languages as official. The influence of English on indigenous languages in the education system is considered. It is proved that the spread of English as a colonial instrument carries a duality in the minds of South Africans and leads to the destruction of indigenous South African languages as a means of teaching in the education system. According to the authors, the preservation of indigenous South African languages in various spheres of South African society is possible thanks to decolonized thinking. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop indigenous languages in addition to the English language already adopted in the social sphere in South Africa.

Author Biographies

Ekaterina V. Kovaltsova, Belgorod National Research University

Master of Philology, assistant at the Department of English and Teaching Methods, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Pedagogical Institute, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.

Svetlana A. Kosharnaya, Belgorod National Research University

Doctor of Philology, Professor, Russian Language and Russian Literature Department Professor, Belgorod  National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.

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Published

2023-09-30

How to Cite

Kovaltsova, E. V., & Kosharnaya, S. A. (2023). The Sociolinguistic Specifics of English in South Africa. Issues in Journalism, Education, Linguistics, 42(3), 531-536. https://doi.org/10.52575/2712-7451-2023-42-3-531-536

Issue

Section

Linguistics