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FL 1501 STUDENT NUMBER 53818180 UNIQUE NO 656446 ASSIGNMENT 1

LINDIWE RADEBE
LANGUAGE AS A PROCESS
Language is a process through which we build our identity as individuals as well as
family. Language is a common denominator in a tribe which tells us about a person. It
is through language that we find ourselves and by language that we communicate with
each other. Language is a vehicle through which we bring out our thoughts as we
explain ourselves to others and let others explain themselves to us. It is an established
fact that most people think in their mother tongue and this is the reason it is an
educational policy in South Africa that children be taught in their mother tongue in the
first grades. It is clear from this that language shapes our thoughts; we are limited by
the richness or poverty of our language in our thinking. Language is process of
becoming....as it is the medium through which cultural values are passed from the
older generation to the next one. Culture is as rich as the language in which it is
communicated.
Cultural expressions are revealed through language and communicated to the outside
world. Language is a bridge through which we reach out to each other in
understanding. Without language we cannot understand each other and therefore
cannot hold meaningful conversations. Love is a universal language that goes beyond
racial boundaries. It is a language expressed through actions and gestures and is
understood throughout the world. This is a language that unites people and breaks all
negative stereotypes. The child will learn the culture of the parents through language
and will grow to explore life through language. Language will communicate
behaviour and mannerism expected from the child. It will be used to communicate
love between the parents and the child. Language is part of culture and identity that is
why colonialists like to dispossess the oppressed of their language.
They brand the language of the oppressed as inferior and useless while exalting the
language of the oppressor. Thus the oppressed are stripped of their natural and cultural
pride and compared to animals. Language reflects our cultural values and identity.
This is the reason we have 11 official languages in South Africa so that through this
broad diversity each tribe is recognised and given an opportunity to grow in their
culture through language. South Africa has many languages both indigenous and
foreign that make up the fabric of our society. We need to break stereotypes and all
forms of discrimination and simply engage with each other as human being created in
the image of God. We remain divided as a nation being pawns of politicians because
of our willingness to be tolerant and to reach out to other people in kindness. It is a
sign of maturity to be able to interact with all people regardless of our culture and
lifestyles. We are humans before we become anything else, we share the same colour
of blood and blood groups. Even hardened racists and tribalists dont ask the source of
the blood when they need transfusions in hospital.
We have to accept our diverse language backgrounds and use it as our strength and
example of how we are able to adapt as a country and individuals. Failure to adapt
means a lack of education and growth. It is in fact a sign of a lack of maturity.

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