Minority Languages in South Africa

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Questions and Answers

What is the main concern regarding smaller languages like Afrikaans?

They have limited literature available.

They lack cultural significance.

They are not taught in schools.

They are losing speakers due to globalization. (correct)

Which group is specifically mentioned as promoting the status of the Afrikaans language?

South African Linguistic Society

Afrikaans Language Preservation Committee

Foundation for Afrikaans (correct)

Cultural Alliance of Afrikaans Speakers

What is the primary aim of the 'Group of 63'?

To eliminate the use of small vernaculars.

To promote only white Afrikaans culture.

To support the dominance of English.

To protect Afrikaans as part of a broader minority language initiative. (correct)

What demographic does the 'Group of 63' represent in their efforts?

A diverse mix of political thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following languages is spoken by almost 40 percent of the South African population as their home language?

isiZulu Signup and view all the answers

What has spurred the formation of groups devoted to promoting Afrikaans?

Fear for the survival of smaller languages. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a language mentioned as being under threat?

Tswana Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does the 'Group of 63' emphasize in their advocacy?

A collaborative approach to language preservation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by the Oranians to differentiate themselves from other Afrikaner groups?

Boere-Afrikaner Signup and view all the answers

What do the Oranians believe about colored Afrikaners in relation to their identity?

They are seen as outsiders. Signup and view all the answers

How do young artists' views of Afrikaner identity differ from those of separatists?

They are skeptical of established values. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Oranians associate with their identity in addition to culture?

Voluntary association. Signup and view all the answers

What medium is used by many young artists to politicize Afrikaner identity?

Cartoons Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response do some young Oranians express about colored Afrikaners?

Indifference to their issues. Signup and view all the answers

What do traditional Afrikaner organizations now include that is recognized by the Oranians?

Non-white members. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of identity do the Oranians emphasize to define the purity of their ranks?

Racial lineage. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main complaints that led to the idea of a volkstaat among right-wing Afrikaners?

Dissatisfaction with the NP government Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the country was allocated to blacks under the apartheid homeland system?

13 percent Signup and view all the answers

What significant policy change did the NP government announce in 1985 regarding citizenship?

Extension of unrestricted citizenship to all blacks permanently residing in white areas Signup and view all the answers

How did some critics propose to alter the original homeland system?

By allowing whites to withdraw to a smaller area for better governance Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the NP government rejected the proposal for a volkstaat?

To maintain territorial integrity for whites Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the policies the NP government introduced in their attempt to remain in power?

Formation of a tricameral parliament including Indians and coloreds Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes for the NP as a result of their failure in policies?

They eventually lost power to the ANC Signup and view all the answers

What was the main organizing principle behind the apartheid system?

Territorial segregation based on race Signup and view all the answers

What describes the Afrikaner identity mentioned?

A confused and sometimes lost identity Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with influencing the author's work?

Owen Sichone Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the formation of the United Party in 1934?

It represented an alliance with British capital interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which party was formed by D.F. Malan in reaction to the United Party?

The Purified National Party Signup and view all the answers

What is the widely accepted definition of Afrikaners used in the essay?

Whites who speak Afrikaans as their mother tongue Signup and view all the answers

What was Pierre Bourdieu's contribution to discussions about identity?

Outline of a theory emphasizing practice and social constructs Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is mentioned when discussing groups in South Africa?

Defining the boundaries of groups Signup and view all the answers

What role did J.B.M. Hertzog play in South African politics?

Foundation of the National Party Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the ANC government face regarding identity claims?

Balancing universalism and particularism Signup and view all the answers

How have Presidents Mbeki and Mandela attempted to integrate the Afrikaner community?

By attempting to include them in the vision of a new South Africa Signup and view all the answers

What does Mbeki's statement about Afrikaners being Africans imply?

Afrikaners can be part of a universal identity Signup and view all the answers

What risk do Afrikaners face in the context of nation-building?

Being seen as detached from the African identity Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the relationship between universalism and particularism in the context of national identity?

They represent conflicting perspectives in identity building Signup and view all the answers

What term does Erving Goffman use to describe the stigma associated with being Afrikaner?

Tribal stigma Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the ANC in relation to identity claims?

To achieve a balance between recognizing differences and building a universal identity Signup and view all the answers

What negative label is often applied to the Afrikaner community?

Reactionary and racist Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Fight for Smaller Vernaculars

Afrikaans and other smaller languages in South Africa face a threat from the dominant presence of English and Nguni languages.
While English is the dominant language at a global level, Nguni languages like isiZulu and IsiXhosa are dominant locally, spoken by almost 40% of the population.
Groups dedicated to promoting Afrikaans are forming in response to this threat, including Stigting vir Afrikaans and Afrikaanse Taal-en Kulturvereninging.
"Group of 63" is a more recent group, consisting of a wide range of Afrikaner intellectuals, and aims to protect all minority languages in South Africa.

The Volkstaat Movement

Some Afrikaners still cling to the idea of an independent "volkstaat" for Afrikaners, an idea stemming from discontent with the National Party (NP) government's policies.
Territorial segregation during apartheid allocated 13% of the country to black South Africans.
In 1985, the NP government abandoned the idea of total segregation and restored citizenship to all black residents in "white areas".
Some critics of the NP's policy change argued for a reversed homeland system where white Afrikaners would withdraw to a smaller area.

Afrikaner Identity

Some Afrikaners, like the Oranians, prioritize white Afrikaner identity and see themselves as a distinct group from other Afrikaners.
Oranians emphasize a "Boere-Afrikaner" identity, separating them from other Afrikaner groups who may include non-whites.
While they are aware that traditional Afrikaner organizations embrace non-whites, Oranians focus on racial purity.

Alternative Afrikaner Identity

Many young Afrikaner artists, like those associated with Bitterkomix, politicize their identity but express skepticism towards established Afrikaner values.
The ANC government struggles to accept particularist identity claims, as they conflict with the creation of a universal national identity.
While Afrikaners are offered a place in the vision of an "African Renaissance," it comes with conditions, as they are often viewed as "people against transformation".

The Dilemma of Identity

The struggle to build a democratic nation in South Africa presents a paradox: forging a united identity while also acknowledging differences.
The ongoing struggle involves negotiating between "universalism" and "particularism".
Though Afrikaners are encouraged to be a part of a shared African identity, they continue to carry the "tribal stigma" of being associated with past injustices and prejudices.

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Description

Explore the struggles of smaller languages like Afrikaans against the dominance of English and Nguni languages in South Africa. This quiz covers the formation of groups dedicated to language preservation and the ongoing Volkstaat movement. Test your knowledge on this crucial aspect of South Africa's cultural identity.