Status of minority languages in South Africa: the case of the exclusion of isiHlubi in schools

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to understanding the complexities surrounding minority languages in South Africa, with isiHlubi serving as a poignant case study. It explores the nuances and complexities inherent in the exclusion of isiHlubi in schools in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. In our discussion, we distinguish between standard and non-standard minority languages. Data for this study were drawn from a Facebook and WhatsApp survey of residents of Kokstad who self-identify as Hlubi, and telephonic interviews were conducted with learners, teachers and residents of the area. The findings of this study show that the problem with the status of non-standard minority languages is the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa because it only accords official status to standardised languages. Thus, consideration has been given to non-standard languages. The study found relative despondence among isiHlubi speakers emanating from the marginalisation and exclusion of their language in schools, which discouraging them from taking pride in it. Conclusions drawn are that the classification of isiHlubi as a variance of isiXhosa is a product of ill-informed colonial policies of language classification. The study recommends the reclassification of indigenous languages based on the submissions made by the affected population groups.