The research 'Specialized Lexicography with reference to the Zulu Slang' focuses
on the aspects of language development which have not yet been considered in isiZulu
language. The study also tries to uncover how other languages have benefited from
slang words.
Linguistic, lexicographical and psycho-social theories have been used in this study to
guide the analysis and interpretation of the data. Fromkin and Rodman's (1978)
general linguistic theory states that for one to understand one's humanity, one must
understand the language that makes one human. The only specific theory of
lexicography is that of Zgusta (1971). This theory says that lexicography is connected
with all language disciplines. However, there are other theories that have been used
like Symbolic Interaction Theory by Mead (1934) which focuses on the way in which
people interact with others. Attraction Theory has been used. This theory states that
some people get attracted to others, while some incur losses during the process. The
Attraction Theory by Grush, Clore, and Costin, (1988) is a psychological theory which
proposes that it is human nature to be attracted to things which come easily.
Data was collected by means of the participant observation method so that naturally occurring
data could be observed and noted. In the case of slang, speakers use this
subconsciously at most times. Hence, this method proved to be the best and most
reliable method for collecting primary data.
The findings of the study indicates that slang words have a major contribution in a
language development. Zulu slang words are constantly being used in texts, television
and radio. Hence, these words are very much part of Zulu language development and
change. However, they have not been documented in a dictionary or otherwise.
The main conclusion of the study is that Zulu slang words are part and parcel of many
Zulu speakers vocabulary. This, therefore, creates the need for documentation of these
words in a dictionary viz. a dictionary of Zulu slang.
The following recommendation are made:
1. The formulation of a Zulu Slang Dictionary is an imperative.
2. Other African languages should also pursue such an endeavor.
3. NRF, PANSALB and other language related councils should not only focus
on the standardization of languages, but ought also to focus on the
development of non-standard varieties e.g. Slang, these institutions should
also offer funding with regard to such developments. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9075 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Simelane, Jabulani Daniel. |
| Contributors | Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla., Sitaram, R. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | other |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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