Journal Article

Zulu as an expression of different varieties of cultural rights and gender relations in contemporary South Africa

Rudwick, Stephanie

2011

Overview

While there are several comprehensive studies on `language and ethnicity' (Gudykunst 1988, Dow 1991, Fishman 2001, Joseph 2004) there is only one recent comprehensive study (Fought 2006) which focuses on how variation within a language is significant in the expression of ethnic identity. This study aims to contribute towards this research field by examining two South African linguistic varieties of isiZulu, isiHlonipho and isiTsotsi, in respect of their speakers' culture and gender constructions in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). In this province, shared culture and gender interpretations infrequently occur between urban, educated in isiZulu-speakers on the one side and rural, traditional Zulu people on the other side. On the basis of a methodologically triangulated approach, using an extensive literature review, written questionnaires with lexical stimulus material, qualitative individual interviews and an element of ethnography, the study shows some of the heterogenic facets of contemporary Zuluness. Although there is little doubt that speaking isiHlonipho gives greater recognition to traditional Zulu ethnicity, one cannot dismiss the fact that KZN township varieties, such as isiTsotsi, retain elements of ethnic identity expression, which, as will be shown in this study, are communicated in a variety of different ways.

• Subject: Communication / Culture / Ethnographic research / Interviews / Social theory / South Africa / Zulu