Feminizing linguistic human rights: use of isihlonipho sabafazi in the courtroom and intra-group linguistic differences

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the interconnection between language, linguistic human rights (LHR), and law through an analysis of the Ndebele use of isihlonipho sabafazi (women's language of respect) in a courtroom setting. Using a cultural approach to discourse as an interpretive framework, the analysis illustrates that the LHR framework is not adequately sensitive to gendered forms of language discrimination. LHR is predicated on the protection of languages of minority ethnic groups and does not take into consideration gendered intra-group differences, leading to the sidelining of intra-linguistic variation, which exposes some members of the same linguistic community to intra-linguistic discrimination. Using isihlonipho sabafazi as a case in point, the article argues that this form of language use is a type of gender discrimination that contributes to women's linguistic exclusion and social marginalization. Given that language is not only a tool for communication but also central to culture, these gendered practices of linguistic exclusion leave women exposed to a regime of linguistic ‘dis-citizenship’ or ‘semi-citizenship’.