Browsing by Author "Roman, Samantha"
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- ItemWhat Kaaps brings to the table : a sociolinguistic analysis of the intersection between language, food and identity in Vannie Kaap memes(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Roman, Samantha; Oostendorp, Marcelyn; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of General Linguistics.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines food and language as a related topic. Gerhardt (2013) claims that every language group has its unique traditional food and, as such, this thesis investigates this claim with specific reference to non-standard linguistic varieties. I analysed memes1 from the Vannie Kaap Facebook page with the purpose of identifying the kinds of identities constructed when using Kaaps to talk about food. The theories of Pennycook (2004) and Butler (1990), which guided my thesis, were used to examine the ways in which language is used to perform different identities. Following this is a discussion on the methodology and data collection instruments. I used thematic analysis to analyse the different text in the memes. This thesis also drew on sociolinguistic theory which is particularly useful when analysing society’s effect on language, including concepts such as ‘context’, ‘cultural norms’ and ‘expectation’ on the way language is used. The theme that became apparent included how food and the consumption thereof was used to highlight issues of social positions within society. Other themes included the significance of food within Kaaps culture, and comparing foods as a strategy to address challenging issues in society. Also relevant to the discussion is the theme of Kaaps as a culture of consumption. My findings suggest that non-standard varieties indeed exhibit their own unique traditional foodways. I further note a generational shift, that is, a shift away from traditional, home-cooked meals to the purchasing of traditional fast foods. My findings highlight the significance and creativity that Kaaps speakers possess by using their language to make political and social commentary through comparing political and social issues to food. These kinds of strategies of resistance against societal norms are what lead to emancipation from stigmas, thus providing speakers with a sense of solidarity and belonging. Taken together, the memes depict how Kaaps speakers use food and language as a means of liberation, emancipation and empowerment.