Thesis (Ph.D. (Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / This thesis endevours to examine the effectiveness of the implementation of the language policy of South Africa as enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa (1996) with special reference to Tshivenda. It is for this reason that an effort has been exerted to analyse the application of the aforementioned language policy pertaining to Tshivenda in areas such as social life, education and the business world. The study argues that as one of the eleven (11) official languages of South Africa Tshivenda deserves to be treated with the respect that it deserves. The study has clearly shown that Tshivenda is currently not fully enjoying the status that is accorded to it by the Constitution of South Africa (1996) because of multifold factors and reasons. One of these is that the business world does not derive much profit from the use of Tshivenda as it is seen as a minority language. In addition, the study has discovered that there are problems associated with translation as most of the time the translation is of a poor standard. It is thus crucial that translation must be conducted by people who have undergone professional training. Furthermore, a major stumbling block with regard to the use of Tshivenda in South Africa is the prevailing negative attitude that speakers of African languages harbour towards African languages in general. This does not come as a surprise as many African people still look down upon their languages as they are mostly regarded as backward and unsophisticated. This is why English is still dominant in many areas as people view it as a passport to green pastures. The study has indicated that the Constitution of South Africa (1996) clearly stipulates that all official languages should be used in all spheres of life where it is practicable. This implies, among others, the right of learners to be taught in their mother tongue. Although a large number of respondents are of the view that the use of English should not be tampered with, it is heartening to deduce that some people are now supporting the idea that Tshivenda should be used in all official communication. Finally, the study recommends the use of Tshivenda in social, educational and economic settings as this will indeed be a proof that Tshivenda-speaking people are also enjoying the fruits of the new democratic dispensation in South Africa.

Thesis (M.A. (Linguistics)) --University of Limpopo, 2015 / This study is a qualitative descriptive study which analyses the words that the respondents used to provide their answers. The study is on language policy which should be available in each institution and it must also be implemented. Questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data. The questionnaires were distributed to the officials of SASSA and the beneficiaries were interviewed in all six languages that are found in Limpopo province. Data was presented and interpreted in this study. The SPSS software has been used as it does not consume time in analysing data. The main issue was to get the opinions that the officials and beneficiaries has on the absence of language policy in SASSA. The importance of language policy is to control on how language should be used in a particular institution. Language unit are responsible for establishing language policy as they will find facts on how many languages are used by the beneficiaries, how many speakers of each language, within the particular geographical area. When language policy has been established, it has to be implemented to start working. Most institutions have language policy for submission to the government but it cannot be implemented as they mention impossible statements which cannot be implemented. When institutions establish language policy for submission they tend to make vague declarations which are impossible to implement. They are just statements which are kept in offices but are never used.

"Zugl.: Graz, Universität, Diss., 1997"--T.p. verso. / Includes bibliographical references.

The official language policies and their basic concepts, the principle of personality in Canada and the principle of territoriality in Switzerland, are critically analyzed. The two democratic federations are compared as two multination states since 'nation' is defined in cultural terms. Language survival is justified in liberal theory through minority rights. The principle of territoriality that assures the dominance of the linguistic majority over a territory within the federation is in accordance with liberal democracy if fundamental rights are protected. The principle of territoriality contributes thus to political stability within a multination federation. There is no movement in Switzerland that is fed by a language-based grievance despite the existence of three linguistic minorities: Switzerland accommodates successfully linguistic diversity. In Canada, the perception that the survival of the French language might not be sustained fuels a secessionist movement threatening the unity of the federation.

Thesis (M.P.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 132-142).

Thesis (M.P.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 190-192).

Thesis (M.P.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-142). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.P.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 190-192). Also available in print.

"Zugl.: Graz, Universität, Diss., 1997"--T.p. verso. / Includes bibliographical references.

The study endeavoured to establish what had been done after 1994, by looking at the literature that reported the activities and documents that were produced. This was done against the background of what language policy and planning stand for. How these are conducted and how they influence the language ecology, was also central to our discussions. The analysis of what took place on the ground revealed that all the promising activities that were engaged in immediately post-apartheid were not sustained and did not produce the much anticipated outcomes. Much evidence for the dismal failure can be attributed to lack of accountability on the part of the powers that be. Recommendations are offered, emphasising, among others, an understanding of the importance of languages to their speakers. It is also important to understand the effects of colonisation and apartheid on the dehumanisation of the South African indigenous languages and how this has also influenced the current generation. We also need to demystify the myth that a language that is foreign to the majority of the population can serve as a unifying element and the idea that foreign and colonial languages can help us access education, employment, economy and law. These are some of the things we are advised to heed in our attempt to improve the situation of these languages. An ideal situation has been alluded to for the stakeholders to follow in the steps of those engaged in the Modernity/Coloniality-Decoloniality Collective Project. It follows two closely related directions: one analytic and the other programmatic. The analytic seeks “to excavate the dark side of domination, where racialization on inter-subjective social relations, and the control of knowledge, labor, land, and nature are revealed as operations of power” over the oppressed people (Veronelli, 2015). This goes hand in hand with the programme which is articulated around the notion of decoloniality, intended “to decolonize all areas of the colonial matrix of power to release the fullness of human relations” (Mignolo 2013, quoted in Veronelli, 2015). / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)