Die ontwikkeling, stand en toekoms van Afrikaans in SWA/Namibië

Abstract

Abstract taken from LSSA Supplement, vol 2, 1990, pp. 32-34:

Thirdly, the present position of languages in SWA/Namibia was researched and it was attempted to determine whether, and in what respect, the position of the language has changed since the 19th century. The following central theoretical hypothesis was investigated: at present the position of Afrikaans is stronger than ever, and stronger than that of any other language spoken in SWA/Namibia, but this position can deteriorate as a result of especially political stigmatisation. Data concerning the present position of languages in SWA/Namibia were mainly drawn from reports of research on the present position of languages in SWA/Namibia by the HSRC and the UNIN. Seeing that no verifiable facts exist on the position of languages in the 19th century, conclusions were drawn from information given on the position of Afrikaans in Chapter 2. Data on the present position of Afrikaans were then compared with the conclusions drawn on the position of the language in the 19th century. The position of Afrikaans in SWA/Namibia is discussed in Chapter 4. It is clear from the research done that Afrikaans is at present the lingua franca of the community and that it is also the language used by most speakers in all functions. Afrikaans has developed tremendously since the 19th century. Negative propaganda, however, can cause that the preference for Afrikaans may continue to decline. Stigmatisation poses a very real threat to the existence of Afrikaans in SWA/Namibia. This possible deterioration can only be prevented by language planning

Language planning cannot be done without a framework in which an argument can be conducted. Up to now, various descriptions and discussions of aspects of language planning have been researched. However, because this is not sufficient for thorough and scientific planning, a framework for language planning is given in Chapter 5

In the view of conclusions reached concerning the history of Afrikaans speakers and the position of languages in SWA/Namibia, the following recommendations were made for the planning of Afrikaans in SWA/Namibia in Chapter 6, according to the above-mentioned framework. I. Linguists must continue with the modernisation of Afrikaans. 2. Language planners with linguistic training must be appointed to do language planning for SWA/Namibia and to specifically formulate a language policy. 3. Afrikaans must maintain its official status in SWA/Namibia, at least in the southern area of the country. 4. Should Afrikaans lose its official status and higher functions in SWA/Namibia as a result of legislation, attempts must be made to restore Afrikaans to its original position by planned means of effecting awareness of Afrikaans in the community. 5. The stigmatisation of Afrikaans must be prevented through planned means of effecting awareness