Abstract

While Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution officially recognises previously marginalised languages, existing studies expose the dominance of Shona and Ndebele in the public domain. Among existing newspapers, only two use indigenous languages. These are Kwayedza and Umthunywa, which publish in Shona and Ndebele respectively. However, presently Kwayedza publishes a column in Ndau, and uMthunywa includes a column in Kalanga. In the context of the prevailing politics of language in Zimbabwe, this study interrogates the autonomy of previously marginalised languages using hegemony, post-structuralist and political economy perspectives to unpack the conundrums of minority-language publishing. The study shows that, whilst the inclusion of previously marginalised languages in these newspapers improves their visibility in the public domain, it inadvertently legitimates the hegemonic position of Shona and Ndebele and the subtle subservience of previously marginalised languages. This study is an important addition to scholarship on the nexus between politics of language and the press in Zimbabwe.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.