Issues with corpus planning in Zimbabwe’s previously marginalised languages in Matabeleland

Abstract

ABSTRACT The promulgation of Zimbabwe’s current constitution amendment number 20, in 2013, brought hope to the previously marginalised languages in the country. In the founding provisions of the amendment, it is stated that 16 of the languages of Zimbabwe are officially recognised. Prior to the current constitution, only English, Ndebele and Shona were recognised. The paper scrutinises corpus planning activities that have taken place in the previously marginalised languages that are found in Matabeleland region. The analysis of corpus planning activities in these languages was done through a qualitative phenomenological design. Two members from each of the associations of these languages were interviewed. The results of the study indicate that the accomplishment of success in corpus planning is hampered by approaches that are asynchronous with modern day linguistic realities. Realistic language practices that are not influenced by prescriptivism, selfishness and mere recognition of the language need to be adopted in contemplation for successful corpus planning.