The essence of the word unity is "to be in harmony" or "to be as one" and we, as South Africans, strive to be just that according to our constitution. But is it really possible to be united when we have a national anthem sung in so many different languages and 11 official languages? I'm a language practitioner and this is a very serious issue for me. Because even though I anticipate the true unity of South Africans, I dread the fact that I will lose my identity by accepting it. What are your thoughts on this language issue?
2007-02-13 00:31:58 · 14 answers · asked by Porgie 7 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
Porgie, its beyond language now... i read some idiots Q and he said Mandela was a terrorist and it seems most whites think blacks are a bunch of savage barbarians who make their lives a living hell. Language is too far from it at this point, we obviously still have racists dwelling amongst us. i even sent in that Q to Sowetan, i pray someone will publish this in the papers soon!!
i dont think you will lose your identity, the whole method is to embrace every difference that exists in SA... i think its wonderful we have such diversity and at least some people can appreciate it. i for one write radio scripts for SABC and we record for all stations and in all 11 languages, this gives people a sense of belonging, that they are also being included and recognised as South Africans. because we cant truly give up our cultures, languages and beliefs... as for the initial question, i pray to lord we will be some day.
2007-02-13 00:59:16 · answer #1 · answered by Reb Da Rebel 6 · 3⤊ 4⤋
Communication is the first step in harmony, and as long as every person can speak "a common" language, then this may be possible. But as a linguist, I'm sure that you are fully aware of the deficiencies of ALL languages. Every language brings a different world perception, but no language allows a perfect method of describing all truth. Misunderstanding and miscommunication prevail in all languages, and these things work against the unity which you desire by destroying the first step.
If you want unity, you need to be thinking beyond language and beyond just harmony with South Africa. There is only one path to unity, and that is equality, which requires understanding and respect. These issues are much larger than your constitution and your languages. Do you think that the world must all speak one language in order to find unity? There exists some unity because of other factors despite the many languages which separate us. We are all united in human rights (equality) and our common security (equality), to name a few.
2007-02-13 00:50:04 · answer #2 · answered by Andy 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi Porgie
Let me tell you the reasons why we won't Unite - (not now anyway)
1. to many people remind themselves of white minority
2. RACISM RACISM RACISM
3. 11 languages - ek verstaan net eng, afr & probeer xhosa - what about people living in rural areas the kzn that only understands their language?
4. As long as the ANC rules the gov - unemployment shall remain - U N E M P L O Y M E N T
5. Corruption in the government
6. Our weird & unjust Justice system
7. the 2010 WC - To many different opinions on whether it will be successfull or not!
8. All our educated people moving continets away from SA
9. POLITICS & MORE POLITICS
10. ........................... MANY MORE
According to my thoughts on the identity issue - I am somehow truelly proudly South African for all the positive reasons but somehow theres more negative then positive to being South African.
Our government talks about unity - but as soon as Mayor Helen Ziller became mayor of CT - they wanted to split the wc!
Hows that for UNITY?
2007-02-14 21:06:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No because multi cultural societies are a failure World wide. They have racial tension in the UK and the US because of the terrorist attacks and Muslims in the UK are feeling marginalised. South Africa has the problem of a Government who still act and behave like it was the 60's. Everything is blamed on " the legacy of Apartheid" and there is no accountability on their part for their many failures. Their Policies have driven many skills out of the Country and internally racial hatred is just below the surface. I think there are many South Africans who do accept each other and try their best but when you are Governed by a Party who make no bones about their racial hatred and who do not subscribe to Western values then there is no chance. There will always be pockets of the Community who will live in harmony but on a bigger scale it cannot happen at present.
As far as language is concerned then English is the business language and other languages will continue to be spoken in homes and places of entertainment. The Afrikaaner is worried about the demise of his language and culture which is fuelled by the indiscriminate renaming of Towns etc but the latest incident of not putting names of ex SADF soldiers in Freedom Park but those of Cuban soldiers has a tale in the intentions all by itself. The Boland will never lose its unique culture , Porgie, so you have nothing to fear but I cannot see South Africans uniting under the present dispensation.
2007-02-13 07:13:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Innocentia is a good example that South Africans will never ever be united as one. Just do yourself a favour and go read the answer she gave to Brad's question 'Is there any hope left for what used to be South Africa". Say no more.
2007-02-15 00:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey Porgie. Good answer again, Innocent. It depends what you define as unity. I don't think unity means loss of variaty, it just means acceptance and understanding of the differences that exist. It's a pity racism is still so prevalent, but I do believe it's the vast minority, just that this minority feels so threatened that they open their mouths so far! No-one is threatened by non-racists, and would thus not notice non-racism, but racists are threatening, and are thus noticed....
2007-02-13 01:47:31 · answer #6 · answered by mail_my_nou 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With the best of governments unity in a country with SA's cultural diversity will be an enormous challenge. With the lax, racially obnoxious, unintelligent, corrupt and incompetent ANC pretending to govern the country, hahahaha...I don't think so.
2007-02-13 02:04:31 · answer #7 · answered by Vango 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I totally agree with you, and no, I don't think we will unite. Not only the language puts a big brick wall in front of it, but cultures, moralities, skin colour, ext, will stop us from uniting.
2007-02-13 19:52:02 · answer #8 · answered by poepies 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No
Everyone is always trying to get at anyone they feel like did them wrong they are not prepared to move on and forget about the past i mean there is a reason why they call it the past
2007-02-13 18:20:52 · answer #9 · answered by SAgirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Porgie, we will get there, I just do not know when.
I hope we retain our languages, and our cultures; but que sera sera....
President Brand from the OFS, many many years ago said ALLES SAL REGKOM, he just did not say when.
2007-02-13 17:41:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋