Afrikaans on the Cape Flats : performing cultural linguistic identity in Afrikaaps

Date
2016-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines Kaaps and how speakers use this linguistic variety to demonstrate or perform various aspects of their identities. The theories of Butler (1990) and Pennycook (2004) are used to investigate how language is used to perform identity. Using transcripts of the Afrikaaps theatre production and an interview with an Afrikaaps performer, Emile Jansen (also known as Emile YX?), the themes of self-knowledge as opposed to shame within the Coloured community are investigated. Also pertinent to this discussion are the themes of hybridity and marginality. Furthermore, the theatre production’s emphasis on the legalisation of Kaaps is further explored in this thesis. A discussion of the methodology and data collection instruments follows. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the various narratives raised. Thereafter, the efficacy of Kaaps to instigate new conversations about the language variety as a site for identity creation is discussed. This is done by evaluating Kaaps based on the critique of the 1985 Black Writer’s Symposium’s offered by Richard Rive. The conclusion notes the limits of time and space in this particular project. It underscores the ground-breaking role Afrikaaps played in changing perceptions on the black or creole (or both) origins of Afrikaans and the role it played in inspiring pride in Kaaps speakers
AFRIKAANS OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek Kaaps en hoe sprekers hierdie taalvariëteit gebruik om verskeie aspekte van hulle identiteite ten toon te stel en uitdrukking daaraan te gee. Die teorieë van Butler (1990) en Pennycook (2004) word gebruik om vas te stel hoe taal gebruik word in die performatiwiteit van identiteit. Deur gebruik te maak van transkripsies van die Afrikaaps-verhoogproduksie en ‘n onderhoud met ‘n Afrikaaps-kunstenaar, Emile Jansen (ook bekend as Emile YX?), word die temas selfkennis in teenstelling met skaamte in die bruin gemeenskap ondersoek. Ander prominente temas in hierdie bespreking is dié van hibriditeit en marginaliteit. Die verhoogproduksie se fokus op die wettigmaking van Kaaps word ook verder bespreek. ‘n Bespreking van die metodologie en data-insamelingsmetodes volg. Tematiese analise is gebruik om die verskeie narratiewe te analiseer. Laastens volg ‘n bespreking oor die vermoë van Kaaps om nuwe gesprekke oor taalvariasie as ‘n ruimte vir identiteitskonstruksie te inspireer. Hierdie bespreking is gegrond op die evaluering van Kaaps en die kritiek van die 1985 Swart Skrywer-simposium gelewer deur Richard Rive. In die gevolgtrekking word die spesifieke tekortkominge van die tesis bespreek, veral dié wat met tyd en ruimte te make het. Dit beklemtoon die baanbrekersrol wat Afrikaaps gespeel het in die verandering van persepsies oor die swart of kreool-oorsprong (of beide) van Afrikaans en die rol wat die produksie gespeel het in die bevordering van trots in Kaapssprekers.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosh University, 2016
Keywords
Cape Flats (South Africa)--Social life and customs, Afrikaans language--Slang, Afrikaans language--Usage, Language and culture, Colored people (South Africa)--Dialects, UCTD
Citation