'Meaningful engagement’: Towards a language rights paradigm for effective language policy implementation
- Docrat, Zakeerah, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Docrat, Zakeerah , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174812 , vital:42512 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2015.1056455
- Description: This article aims to develop the concept of ‘meaningful engagement’ in terms of the contemporary language policy implementation framework in South Africa. By exploring the current language policies, implementation and the current lack of effectiveness, the authors offer a new implementation focus drawn from the legal concept of ‘meaningful engagement’. ‘Meaningful engagement’ is a concept within the socio-economic rights sphere. This article expands and advances the concept within a language policy framework. Against the enabling legislative environment created by the Use of Official Languages Act 12 of 2012 and the overarching Constitutional framework which embeds the rights of all official languages, ‘meaningful engagement’ is developed and applied to selected language policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Docrat, Zakeerah , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174812 , vital:42512 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2015.1056455
- Description: This article aims to develop the concept of ‘meaningful engagement’ in terms of the contemporary language policy implementation framework in South Africa. By exploring the current language policies, implementation and the current lack of effectiveness, the authors offer a new implementation focus drawn from the legal concept of ‘meaningful engagement’. ‘Meaningful engagement’ is a concept within the socio-economic rights sphere. This article expands and advances the concept within a language policy framework. Against the enabling legislative environment created by the Use of Official Languages Act 12 of 2012 and the overarching Constitutional framework which embeds the rights of all official languages, ‘meaningful engagement’ is developed and applied to selected language policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The Dassie and the Hunter: A South African Meeting
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175147 , vital:42547 , https://doi.org/10.4314/tvl.v43i1.29727
- Description: This book does not resemble any of Jeff Opland’s previous academic works. There is no similarity in style, and to some extent content. His previous books, namely, Xhosa oral poetry: Aspects of a black South African tradition (Cambridge University Press, 1983), and Xhosa poets and poetry (David Philip, 1998), were written as purely scientific, academic works. The Dassie and the Hunter amounts to a subtle snub of academia and its restrictive rules. Though written by Opland, it is as if he and his research subject, Manisi, have colluded to make this work different and special, in a personal mystical way, disregarding academic etiquette, weaving a more creative, poetic tapestry. This makes the book an interesting read. In style and content, it is neither rigorously academic, solely biographical, nor purely creative. It evades classification. It is individualistic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175147 , vital:42547 , https://doi.org/10.4314/tvl.v43i1.29727
- Description: This book does not resemble any of Jeff Opland’s previous academic works. There is no similarity in style, and to some extent content. His previous books, namely, Xhosa oral poetry: Aspects of a black South African tradition (Cambridge University Press, 1983), and Xhosa poets and poetry (David Philip, 1998), were written as purely scientific, academic works. The Dassie and the Hunter amounts to a subtle snub of academia and its restrictive rules. Though written by Opland, it is as if he and his research subject, Manisi, have colluded to make this work different and special, in a personal mystical way, disregarding academic etiquette, weaving a more creative, poetic tapestry. This makes the book an interesting read. In style and content, it is neither rigorously academic, solely biographical, nor purely creative. It evades classification. It is individualistic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The amaXhosa ukuthwala marriage custom in fact and fiction: a contemporary critique
- Kaschula, Russell H, Huisamen, Tim, Mostert, Andre, Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Huisamen, Tim , Mostert, Andre , Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68344 , vital:29241 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2013.871454
- Description: publisher version , Ukuthwala is traditionally a marriage custom within the amaXhosa culture in South Africa which permits a ‘legal abduction’ of a bride-to-be. Similar customs of ‘bridal abduction’ exist, most notably in Kyrgyzstan, where it is known as ala kachuu. Research into these customs necessitates a more innovative approach to explore the impact of this social phenomenon. In this article the authors mobilise a fictional narrative to offer a backdrop for a comparative assessment of the impact of bridal ‘legal abduction’ and assess its contemporary status and role within a multicultural society which celebrates the rights of the individual while recognising the value and importance of maintaining cultural identity and traditions. Cultural dissonance has always been characteristic of modern and post-modern societies as they strive for a workable shared ethos. However, when customs such as ‘legal abduction’ (Mtuze, 1993:50) continue under the veil of cultural rights, the wider social sensibilities and perspectives can be at odds with the maintenance of such activities where these activities contradict the rights of the individual as enshrined for example in what can be seen as a liberal South African Constitution.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Huisamen, Tim , Mostert, Andre , Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68344 , vital:29241 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2013.871454
- Description: publisher version , Ukuthwala is traditionally a marriage custom within the amaXhosa culture in South Africa which permits a ‘legal abduction’ of a bride-to-be. Similar customs of ‘bridal abduction’ exist, most notably in Kyrgyzstan, where it is known as ala kachuu. Research into these customs necessitates a more innovative approach to explore the impact of this social phenomenon. In this article the authors mobilise a fictional narrative to offer a backdrop for a comparative assessment of the impact of bridal ‘legal abduction’ and assess its contemporary status and role within a multicultural society which celebrates the rights of the individual while recognising the value and importance of maintaining cultural identity and traditions. Cultural dissonance has always been characteristic of modern and post-modern societies as they strive for a workable shared ethos. However, when customs such as ‘legal abduction’ (Mtuze, 1993:50) continue under the veil of cultural rights, the wider social sensibilities and perspectives can be at odds with the maintenance of such activities where these activities contradict the rights of the individual as enshrined for example in what can be seen as a liberal South African Constitution.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
Communicating across cultures in South African law courts: towards an information technology solution*
- Kaschula, Russell H, Mostert, André
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Courts interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Translating and interpreting -- Technological innovations , Intercultural communication -- South Africa , Conduct of court proceedings -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59423 , vital:27599 , doi: 10.5842/36-0-39
- Description: Language rights in South Africa are entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa (Chapter 1, Section 6, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996). However, the concomitant infrastructure and organisational realities make this policy difficult to implement, especially in law courts (Kaschula and Ralarala 2004). Creating effective communicative environments has historically been constrained by lack of effective training of legal practitioners and by the lack of capacity for building translation structures. With the advancement of technology, potential solutions are becoming more apparent and it is incumbent upon the academic community to embark on a rigorous investigation into possible solutions and how these Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions could be applied to the execution of justice in South African law courts. This article aims to open the discourse of possible solutions, via assessments of computer based translation solutions, ICT context simulations and other potential opportunities. The authors hope to initiate the interest of other language and legal practitioners to explore how the new technological capabilities could be harnessed to support the entrenchment of language rights in our law courts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Courts interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Translating and interpreting -- Technological innovations , Intercultural communication -- South Africa , Conduct of court proceedings -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59423 , vital:27599 , doi: 10.5842/36-0-39
- Description: Language rights in South Africa are entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa (Chapter 1, Section 6, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996). However, the concomitant infrastructure and organisational realities make this policy difficult to implement, especially in law courts (Kaschula and Ralarala 2004). Creating effective communicative environments has historically been constrained by lack of effective training of legal practitioners and by the lack of capacity for building translation structures. With the advancement of technology, potential solutions are becoming more apparent and it is incumbent upon the academic community to embark on a rigorous investigation into possible solutions and how these Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions could be applied to the execution of justice in South African law courts. This article aims to open the discourse of possible solutions, via assessments of computer based translation solutions, ICT context simulations and other potential opportunities. The authors hope to initiate the interest of other language and legal practitioners to explore how the new technological capabilities could be harnessed to support the entrenchment of language rights in our law courts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Imbongi in Profile
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 1993
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124689 , vital:35649 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/40238706
- Description: Today, many elements of the tradition have been discarded or adapted; nevertheless, the concept of singing praises still retains an identifiable character which is based on past tradition. In this tradition, the imbongi' s relationship with his audience and the function of his izibongo (poetry) within his society are of utmost importance. Any analysis of this communitarian art form will therefore have to take into account the context of the performance, the nature of the audience, and the role of the imbongi in a society which continues to be subject to socio-cultural and political pressures of unused intensity. My intention in this article is to provide a case study of Bongani Sitole, a contemporary imbongi, in order to instance some of the ways in which the tradition has adapted. During the course of the discussion mention will also be made of other iimbongi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 1993
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124689 , vital:35649 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/40238706
- Description: Today, many elements of the tradition have been discarded or adapted; nevertheless, the concept of singing praises still retains an identifiable character which is based on past tradition. In this tradition, the imbongi' s relationship with his audience and the function of his izibongo (poetry) within his society are of utmost importance. Any analysis of this communitarian art form will therefore have to take into account the context of the performance, the nature of the audience, and the role of the imbongi in a society which continues to be subject to socio-cultural and political pressures of unused intensity. My intention in this article is to provide a case study of Bongani Sitole, a contemporary imbongi, in order to instance some of the ways in which the tradition has adapted. During the course of the discussion mention will also be made of other iimbongi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
Intellectualisation of isiXhosa literature: the case of Jeff Opland
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67030 , vital:29022 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-9070/tvl.v.54i2.413
- Description: publisher version , The origins of the intellectualisation of written isiXhosa literature are often attributed to the missionaries John Ross and John Bennie. They set up a printing press in the Tyhume Valley which later became known as Lovedale Press. They introduced written isiXhosa in 1823 and for this they are acknowledged as the first to write and publish in isiXhosa. This article attempts to trace this intellectualisation process of isiXhosa literature, concentrating on a critique and assessment of the life-long work of Professor Jeff Opland, who has contributed enormously to the present understanding of both oral and written isiXhosa literature. It is argued in this article that his corpus of books and academic articles require some contextualisation within the broader debate of the continued intellectualisation of isiXhosa language and literature. Reference is also made to the Opland isiXhosa literature archive and its contribution to the further intellectualisation of isiXhosa literature. It is suggested in this article that Opland is one of the greatest contributors to academic debates concerning isiXhosa literature and history. Izibongo or oral poems written by, and about Jeff Opland are analysed to further enhance the context of his contribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67030 , vital:29022 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-9070/tvl.v.54i2.413
- Description: publisher version , The origins of the intellectualisation of written isiXhosa literature are often attributed to the missionaries John Ross and John Bennie. They set up a printing press in the Tyhume Valley which later became known as Lovedale Press. They introduced written isiXhosa in 1823 and for this they are acknowledged as the first to write and publish in isiXhosa. This article attempts to trace this intellectualisation process of isiXhosa literature, concentrating on a critique and assessment of the life-long work of Professor Jeff Opland, who has contributed enormously to the present understanding of both oral and written isiXhosa literature. It is argued in this article that his corpus of books and academic articles require some contextualisation within the broader debate of the continued intellectualisation of isiXhosa language and literature. Reference is also made to the Opland isiXhosa literature archive and its contribution to the further intellectualisation of isiXhosa literature. It is suggested in this article that Opland is one of the greatest contributors to academic debates concerning isiXhosa literature and history. Izibongo or oral poems written by, and about Jeff Opland are analysed to further enhance the context of his contribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Gaming culture: what lessons for pedagogy in South Africa?
- Kaschula, Russell H, Mostert, Andre
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, Andre
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175189 , vital:42551 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC30895
- Description: Gaming culture is becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Whereas before it was the reserve of those who were prepared to invest in the latest gaming hardware, increasingly powerful entry level machines coupled with more powerful mobile technologies are impacting on how young learners and students assimilate information. This evolving characteristic exhibited by the learners across South Africa must generate a serious reflection of education and training methodologies. Historically, education structures have been slow to embrace the changes that are imperative if the products of the process are to be adequately prepared for the future that faces them. One of the most telling realities of the modern era, or the planetary phase as it is now being tagged, is rapid change. The question that all educators need to ask is 'how is my pedagogic approach evolving'?.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, Andre
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175189 , vital:42551 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC30895
- Description: Gaming culture is becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Whereas before it was the reserve of those who were prepared to invest in the latest gaming hardware, increasingly powerful entry level machines coupled with more powerful mobile technologies are impacting on how young learners and students assimilate information. This evolving characteristic exhibited by the learners across South Africa must generate a serious reflection of education and training methodologies. Historically, education structures have been slow to embrace the changes that are imperative if the products of the process are to be adequately prepared for the future that faces them. One of the most telling realities of the modern era, or the planetary phase as it is now being tagged, is rapid change. The question that all educators need to ask is 'how is my pedagogic approach evolving'?.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Towards enhancing indigenous language acquisition skills through MMORPGs
- Kaschula, Russell H, Mostert, André
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Language and languags -- Computer-assisted instruction , Language and languags -- Study and teaching -- Technological innovation , Language acquisition , Computer games
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59343 , vital:27559 , http://alternation.ukzn.ac.za/Files/docs/17.1/08%20Kas%20FIN.pdf
- Description: The growing interest and access to massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) has opened up significant new scope for educational methodologies, from standard language teaching options through to formalising the skills that a ‘player’ develops through their quests and other activities. This scope is extensive and has created numerous opportunities for innovation both within education and the world of work. This is evidenced by the increasing presence of educational establishments in the virtual world, with Second Life being the most popular for conventional educational purposes. In Second Life and many other realms participants are earning some income and in some cases enjoying a reasonable living from online activities, while developing their skills base. These MMORPGs may open opportunities for promoting language acquisition provided this is located within a suitably attractive realm; ‘players’ would then engage in activities that would contribute to their abilities to use the indigenous languages in everyday life. This article explores how such a system could be developed and the likely contribution it could make to promote a multilingual environment at school and post school levels. Further, it will identify the implications for the future of teaching and learning through the harnessing of MMORPGs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Language and languags -- Computer-assisted instruction , Language and languags -- Study and teaching -- Technological innovation , Language acquisition , Computer games
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59343 , vital:27559 , http://alternation.ukzn.ac.za/Files/docs/17.1/08%20Kas%20FIN.pdf
- Description: The growing interest and access to massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) has opened up significant new scope for educational methodologies, from standard language teaching options through to formalising the skills that a ‘player’ develops through their quests and other activities. This scope is extensive and has created numerous opportunities for innovation both within education and the world of work. This is evidenced by the increasing presence of educational establishments in the virtual world, with Second Life being the most popular for conventional educational purposes. In Second Life and many other realms participants are earning some income and in some cases enjoying a reasonable living from online activities, while developing their skills base. These MMORPGs may open opportunities for promoting language acquisition provided this is located within a suitably attractive realm; ‘players’ would then engage in activities that would contribute to their abilities to use the indigenous languages in everyday life. This article explores how such a system could be developed and the likely contribution it could make to promote a multilingual environment at school and post school levels. Further, it will identify the implications for the future of teaching and learning through the harnessing of MMORPGs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The Sacred Door and other Stories: Cameroon Folktales of the Beba (Makuchi)
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175177 , vital:42550 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-9070/tvl.v.45i2.4743
- Description: In The Sacred Door and Other Stories: Cameroon Folktales of the Beba, Makuchi has collected thirty-three folktales of the Beba people. These stories are presented in English only. The book contains a foreword by well-known oral literature scholar, Isidore Okpewho and a preface by the author. In the foreword, Okpewho states that:“Tales like these need to be retold again and again, because the lessons they yield belong not merely to a long-forgotten historical or so-called primitive past but very much to the present times in which we live”(xi). The book therefore represents a sense of continuity between past and present. Although the tales may no longer be told in the same way that they were many years ago, the messages contained in the tales remain as relevant today as they did in the past.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175177 , vital:42550 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-9070/tvl.v.45i2.4743
- Description: In The Sacred Door and Other Stories: Cameroon Folktales of the Beba, Makuchi has collected thirty-three folktales of the Beba people. These stories are presented in English only. The book contains a foreword by well-known oral literature scholar, Isidore Okpewho and a preface by the author. In the foreword, Okpewho states that:“Tales like these need to be retold again and again, because the lessons they yield belong not merely to a long-forgotten historical or so-called primitive past but very much to the present times in which we live”(xi). The book therefore represents a sense of continuity between past and present. Although the tales may no longer be told in the same way that they were many years ago, the messages contained in the tales remain as relevant today as they did in the past.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Cross-cultural communication in a north-eastern Cape farming community:
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 1989
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175313 , vital:42564 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.1989.10586786
- Description: Cross-cultural communication is dealt with and more specifically, the communicative competence of 15 white English-speaking farmers when they speak Xhosa to their labourers is assessed. This research was conducted in the Elliot, Ugie, and Maclear areas of the north-eastern Cape. A broad sociolinguistic framework drawing on both ethnographic and ethnomethodological principles was used; complications caused by cross-cultural differences which are reflected in language, and which may lead to possible communication breakdown, were isolated. The actual analysis of speech in terms of ethnomethodological principles, such as turn-taking and the co-operative principle, was undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 1989
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175313 , vital:42564 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.1989.10586786
- Description: Cross-cultural communication is dealt with and more specifically, the communicative competence of 15 white English-speaking farmers when they speak Xhosa to their labourers is assessed. This research was conducted in the Elliot, Ugie, and Maclear areas of the north-eastern Cape. A broad sociolinguistic framework drawing on both ethnographic and ethnomethodological principles was used; complications caused by cross-cultural differences which are reflected in language, and which may lead to possible communication breakdown, were isolated. The actual analysis of speech in terms of ethnomethodological principles, such as turn-taking and the co-operative principle, was undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Language rights, intercultural communication and the law in South Africa
- Kaschula, Russell H, Ralarala, Monwabisi K
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Ralarala, Monwabisi K
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Courts interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Intercultural communication -- South Africa , Conduct of court proceedings -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59434 , vital:27602 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2004.10587242
- Description: This article seeks to explore the present language scenario in courts of law. The article makes use of section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), as a point of departure. At face value this section seems to entrench the language rights of individuals. This would mean that individuals could request trials to be held in their mother tongues, with fluent and competent speakers of that mother tongue sitting on the bench. However, this has not materialised. Contrary to popular opinion, the article argues that individual language rights are to some extent entrenched in the Constitution, but there are no mechanisms to secure such rights in the public domain. The article argues that it is often only language privileges that are preserved in institutions such as the justice system. Legally speaking, there is an obligation on the State to provide interpreters to facilitate access to all eleven official languages in courts of law. This in itself presents numerous challenges. The article argues further that the corollary to this is that there is very little space for intercultural communication in courts of law (as defined by Ting-Toomey, 1999, and Gibson, 2002). There has been little or no capacity building in this regard. It is English, to some extent Afrikaans, and the western cultural paradigm, which prevails. The result is further communication breakdown and language intolerance. In this article, the notion of language rights in courts of law is explored against the backdrop of existing theories of intercultural communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Ralarala, Monwabisi K
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Courts interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Intercultural communication -- South Africa , Conduct of court proceedings -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59434 , vital:27602 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2004.10587242
- Description: This article seeks to explore the present language scenario in courts of law. The article makes use of section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), as a point of departure. At face value this section seems to entrench the language rights of individuals. This would mean that individuals could request trials to be held in their mother tongues, with fluent and competent speakers of that mother tongue sitting on the bench. However, this has not materialised. Contrary to popular opinion, the article argues that individual language rights are to some extent entrenched in the Constitution, but there are no mechanisms to secure such rights in the public domain. The article argues that it is often only language privileges that are preserved in institutions such as the justice system. Legally speaking, there is an obligation on the State to provide interpreters to facilitate access to all eleven official languages in courts of law. This in itself presents numerous challenges. The article argues further that the corollary to this is that there is very little space for intercultural communication in courts of law (as defined by Ting-Toomey, 1999, and Gibson, 2002). There has been little or no capacity building in this regard. It is English, to some extent Afrikaans, and the western cultural paradigm, which prevails. The result is further communication breakdown and language intolerance. In this article, the notion of language rights in courts of law is explored against the backdrop of existing theories of intercultural communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Imbongi and griot: toward a comparative analysis of oral poetics in Southern and West Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Folk poetry, African , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folk literature -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59379 , vital:27576 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696819908717840
- Description: This article takes up the challenge of comparative research in Africa by analysing and comparing the oral art of West African griots and Southern African iimbongi or oral poets. Similarities and differences between these performers and their respective societies are highlighted through the use of an ethnographic methodology. A distinction is drawn between the more traditional performers such as Thiam Anchou and D.L.P. Yali-Manisi, and the more modern performers such as M’Bana Diop, Bongani Sitole and Zolani Mkiva. The rich use of genealogy and history in the more traditional performances is highlighted. In comparing the work of the more contemporary, urban poets such as M’bana Diop of Senegal and Zolani Mkiva from Southern Africa, similarities are found in their performances on post-independence leaders such as Senghor and Mandela. Political pressures which have been brought to bear on the performer are also discussed. This article explores the continuity between the past and the present in relation to aspects such as the following: how performers gain recognition, their continued survival, their relationship with politics and religion, the orality- literacy debate, and the stylistic techniques used by these performers. Wherever possible, examples of performers and their work are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Folk poetry, African , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folk literature -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59379 , vital:27576 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696819908717840
- Description: This article takes up the challenge of comparative research in Africa by analysing and comparing the oral art of West African griots and Southern African iimbongi or oral poets. Similarities and differences between these performers and their respective societies are highlighted through the use of an ethnographic methodology. A distinction is drawn between the more traditional performers such as Thiam Anchou and D.L.P. Yali-Manisi, and the more modern performers such as M’Bana Diop, Bongani Sitole and Zolani Mkiva. The rich use of genealogy and history in the more traditional performances is highlighted. In comparing the work of the more contemporary, urban poets such as M’bana Diop of Senegal and Zolani Mkiva from Southern Africa, similarities are found in their performances on post-independence leaders such as Senghor and Mandela. Political pressures which have been brought to bear on the performer are also discussed. This article explores the continuity between the past and the present in relation to aspects such as the following: how performers gain recognition, their continued survival, their relationship with politics and religion, the orality- literacy debate, and the stylistic techniques used by these performers. Wherever possible, examples of performers and their work are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Alice in Wonderland: translating to read across Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174901 , vital:42520 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2016.1160827
- Description: This article comments on various translation strategies aiming at equivalence used by translators when reworking Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland into nine African languages. The back translations provided by the translators form the basis for the discussion [Lindseth, Jon, ed. 2015. Alice in a World of Wonderlands. Volume 1: Essays. Delaware: Oak Knoll Press]. This article provides examples and discussion of how African language translators deviated from the original text and it analyses the possible reasons for doing so, both linguistic and socio-cultural. The way in which translators created an African voice in the target languages is discussed by analysing their reflective essays and back translations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174901 , vital:42520 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2016.1160827
- Description: This article comments on various translation strategies aiming at equivalence used by translators when reworking Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland into nine African languages. The back translations provided by the translators form the basis for the discussion [Lindseth, Jon, ed. 2015. Alice in a World of Wonderlands. Volume 1: Essays. Delaware: Oak Knoll Press]. This article provides examples and discussion of how African language translators deviated from the original text and it analyses the possible reasons for doing so, both linguistic and socio-cultural. The way in which translators created an African voice in the target languages is discussed by analysing their reflective essays and back translations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Oral literature in Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Folk literature -- Study and teaching -- Africa , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folklore and education -- Africa , Books -- Africa -- Reviews
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59355 , vital:27563 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2012.756804
- Description: I have in my possession a first edition, hard copy of Ruth Finnegan’s quintessential work, Oral Literature in Africa. It has a yellow cover, preserved by a plastic sheathe, it is a little frayed around the edges and has that old, musty library smell about it. I love and treasure this book. It is dedicated by Professor Finnegan ‘[t]o all my teachers’. Professor Finnegan is indeed one of my teachers. I properly met Ruth Finnegan at the second International Society for Oral Literature (ISOLA) conference in 1998, which I hosted at the University of Cape Town. She gave a keynote address which included reference to her seminal work and the future of oral literary studies. She has continually influenced our work as researchers following in her footsteps: Isidore Okpewho, Harold Scheub, Abiola Irele, Graham Furniss, Elizabeth Gunner, Karin Barber, Isobel Hofmeyr, John Foley, Olayibi Yai, Edgard Sienaert, Brian Street, Noverino Canonici, Mark Turin, Daniela Merolla, Jan Jansen, Jeff Opland, and many others; some younger, some older, some living, some departed, scholars influenced by this great and humble intellectual and her body of work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Folk literature -- Study and teaching -- Africa , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folklore and education -- Africa , Books -- Africa -- Reviews
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59355 , vital:27563 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2012.756804
- Description: I have in my possession a first edition, hard copy of Ruth Finnegan’s quintessential work, Oral Literature in Africa. It has a yellow cover, preserved by a plastic sheathe, it is a little frayed around the edges and has that old, musty library smell about it. I love and treasure this book. It is dedicated by Professor Finnegan ‘[t]o all my teachers’. Professor Finnegan is indeed one of my teachers. I properly met Ruth Finnegan at the second International Society for Oral Literature (ISOLA) conference in 1998, which I hosted at the University of Cape Town. She gave a keynote address which included reference to her seminal work and the future of oral literary studies. She has continually influenced our work as researchers following in her footsteps: Isidore Okpewho, Harold Scheub, Abiola Irele, Graham Furniss, Elizabeth Gunner, Karin Barber, Isobel Hofmeyr, John Foley, Olayibi Yai, Edgard Sienaert, Brian Street, Noverino Canonici, Mark Turin, Daniela Merolla, Jan Jansen, Jeff Opland, and many others; some younger, some older, some living, some departed, scholars influenced by this great and humble intellectual and her body of work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Remembering the Late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Through the Eyes of the Poet:
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174912 , vital:42521 , https://doi.org/10.1080/1013929X.2018.1439860
- Description: This article seeks to explore the life and post-democratic work of President Mandela through the eyes of the poet. More specifically, two moments in time are captured and analysed, namely, Mandela’s release from prison together with the lead up to the first democratic South African elections in 1994; and his passing in 2013. This analysis includes the work of poets such as Bongani Sitole, Maya Angelou, Raphael d’Abdon and Thabo Mbeki. The mechanics of translation and the interrelatedness of orality and literacy are explored. The poetic memory contained in this article presents us with an approximation towards the collage of collective memory in a country where economics, politics, and society still present multiple challenges, and where political power often challenges the true collective memory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174912 , vital:42521 , https://doi.org/10.1080/1013929X.2018.1439860
- Description: This article seeks to explore the life and post-democratic work of President Mandela through the eyes of the poet. More specifically, two moments in time are captured and analysed, namely, Mandela’s release from prison together with the lead up to the first democratic South African elections in 1994; and his passing in 2013. This analysis includes the work of poets such as Bongani Sitole, Maya Angelou, Raphael d’Abdon and Thabo Mbeki. The mechanics of translation and the interrelatedness of orality and literacy are explored. The poetic memory contained in this article presents us with an approximation towards the collage of collective memory in a country where economics, politics, and society still present multiple challenges, and where political power often challenges the true collective memory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Indigenous languages and the media in South Africa:
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175137 , vital:42546 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC15168
- Description: This article explores the status of South Africa’s indigenous languages and how they are being used in the media. More specifically, the performance of these languages in the print media, the broadcasting media and the Internet, is outlined. This is done against the backdrop of the South African Constitution, Section 6, which entrenches eleven official languages. Contrary to the Constitution’s provisions, it is found that the indigenous languages are achieving varying levels of success within the media. The reasons for this are outlined. Finally, the effects of globalisation on the indigenous languages within the media are assessed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175137 , vital:42546 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC15168
- Description: This article explores the status of South Africa’s indigenous languages and how they are being used in the media. More specifically, the performance of these languages in the print media, the broadcasting media and the Internet, is outlined. This is done against the backdrop of the South African Constitution, Section 6, which entrenches eleven official languages. Contrary to the Constitution’s provisions, it is found that the indigenous languages are achieving varying levels of success within the media. The reasons for this are outlined. Finally, the effects of globalisation on the indigenous languages within the media are assessed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Identity in the Siyagruva Series of novels: Toward an intercultural
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175159 , vital:42548 , DOI: 10.4314/tvl.v44i2.29792
- Description: This article explores the notion of changing South African youth identity and how it is depicted in the Siyagruva [We are Grooving] Series of novels for young adults. The article highlights the need for a broadening of literary theory in order to include an appropriate theoretical approach for new South African youth literature. This theory explores intercultural literary discourse by making use of, for example, the work of intercultural theorists such as Ting-Toomey (1999), Gudykunst (2003) and others. It is argued that this form of literary discourse is now appropriate as a theoretical paradigm within multilingual South Africa where intercultural communication is becoming a reality. There is also reference to intracultural communication where differences are beginning to appear between young people who are perceived to come from the same cultural group, for example, the character Brunette in the Siyagruva Series who is perceived as a “coconut” by her friends, and thus finds herself having to justify her belonging within a particular in-group or culture. The article concentrates on selected novels, though reference is made to many of the twenty three published novels in the Siyagruva Series, twenty in English, and three translated into isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175159 , vital:42548 , DOI: 10.4314/tvl.v44i2.29792
- Description: This article explores the notion of changing South African youth identity and how it is depicted in the Siyagruva [We are Grooving] Series of novels for young adults. The article highlights the need for a broadening of literary theory in order to include an appropriate theoretical approach for new South African youth literature. This theory explores intercultural literary discourse by making use of, for example, the work of intercultural theorists such as Ting-Toomey (1999), Gudykunst (2003) and others. It is argued that this form of literary discourse is now appropriate as a theoretical paradigm within multilingual South Africa where intercultural communication is becoming a reality. There is also reference to intracultural communication where differences are beginning to appear between young people who are perceived to come from the same cultural group, for example, the character Brunette in the Siyagruva Series who is perceived as a “coconut” by her friends, and thus finds herself having to justify her belonging within a particular in-group or culture. The article concentrates on selected novels, though reference is made to many of the twenty three published novels in the Siyagruva Series, twenty in English, and three translated into isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The influence of cellular phone "speak" on isiXhosa rules of communication
- Kaschula, Russell H, Mostert, André
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cell phones -- South Africa , Communication and culture -- Technological innovations , Language and culture -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59401 , vital:27594 , doi: 10.5842/37-0-43
- Description: Cellular telephones have revolutionised the art of communication across all societies, and South Africa is no exception. Access to this form of communication has made personal contact easier, in both rural and urban contexts. Globally this form of communication has been readily embraced. However, cultural rules that pertain to face-to-face communication are often flouted by cellular phone users. This flouting holds true no doubt across many cultures, languages and contexts. Bloomer (2005:97-100) assesses this flouting of cultural maxims in relation to Grice's cooperative principle. This article attempts to assess how general rules of politeness in isiXhosa have been and are being transformed by what could be termed the "economics of speaking".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cell phones -- South Africa , Communication and culture -- Technological innovations , Language and culture -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59401 , vital:27594 , doi: 10.5842/37-0-43
- Description: Cellular telephones have revolutionised the art of communication across all societies, and South Africa is no exception. Access to this form of communication has made personal contact easier, in both rural and urban contexts. Globally this form of communication has been readily embraced. However, cultural rules that pertain to face-to-face communication are often flouted by cellular phone users. This flouting holds true no doubt across many cultures, languages and contexts. Bloomer (2005:97-100) assesses this flouting of cultural maxims in relation to Grice's cooperative principle. This article attempts to assess how general rules of politeness in isiXhosa have been and are being transformed by what could be termed the "economics of speaking".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Analyzing, digitizing and technologizing the oral word: the case of Bongani Sitole
- Kaschula, Russell H, Mostert, André
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sitole, Bongani, 1937- , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa , Xhosa poetry , Folk poetry, Xhosa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59368 , vital:27566 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696810903259384
- Description: This article analyzes the oral poetry, izibongo, produced by Xhosa oral poet Bongani Sitole (both in book and technological form). It will trace this poetry from the moment it was orally produced, through to the technologizing and publication of this poetry in book form and on a website. The initial part of this article looks at the life and work of the poet. A contextual analysis of selected poetry is provided. The latter part of the article concentrates on issues related to technology and its relationship to the oral and written word. The term ‘technauriture’ has been coined in order to refer to this process. The contribution of eLearning4Africa (www.elearning4africa.com) to the digitization process of Sitole’s poetry is acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sitole, Bongani, 1937- , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa , Xhosa poetry , Folk poetry, Xhosa
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59368 , vital:27566 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696810903259384
- Description: This article analyzes the oral poetry, izibongo, produced by Xhosa oral poet Bongani Sitole (both in book and technological form). It will trace this poetry from the moment it was orally produced, through to the technologizing and publication of this poetry in book form and on a website. The initial part of this article looks at the life and work of the poet. A contextual analysis of selected poetry is provided. The latter part of the article concentrates on issues related to technology and its relationship to the oral and written word. The term ‘technauriture’ has been coined in order to refer to this process. The contribution of eLearning4Africa (www.elearning4africa.com) to the digitization process of Sitole’s poetry is acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
'Hayi, they don’t know Xhosa’: Comparative isiXhosa teaching challenges in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng
- Kaschula, Russell H, Kretzer, Michael M
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:42499 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2019.1672318
- Description: Language-in-education policy in South Africa is underpinned by the Constitution. The gap that this research addresses is the inconsistency of policy implementation and the actual teaching of isiXhosa in primary schools. It analyses the official and overt language policy and the (covert) language practices at schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with language teachers and principals. Data were also gathered from classroom observations and document analysis in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. On the one hand, there are standard language policy documents that exist. These advocate for English as a language of learning and teaching and isiXhosa as a subject. On the other hand, the daily reality in classrooms partly reflects this policy implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:42499 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2019.1672318
- Description: Language-in-education policy in South Africa is underpinned by the Constitution. The gap that this research addresses is the inconsistency of policy implementation and the actual teaching of isiXhosa in primary schools. It analyses the official and overt language policy and the (covert) language practices at schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with language teachers and principals. Data were also gathered from classroom observations and document analysis in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. On the one hand, there are standard language policy documents that exist. These advocate for English as a language of learning and teaching and isiXhosa as a subject. On the other hand, the daily reality in classrooms partly reflects this policy implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019