This thesis addresses the problem of the lack of a systematic approach to the
modernisation of the indigenous languages of South Africa, with particular
reference to Venda. Thus, a systematic approach is proposed in this study for the
development of modem terminology in Venda. This approach is based on the
canonical model for language planning. In this model, terminology development
should follow the following four steps: (1) analysis of the terminological needs of
the situation, (2) preparation of a plan and strategies for research, (3)
implementation of terminology in practice by means of suitable policies, and
lastly, (4) evaluation and constant updating of terminology.
Within the canonical model for language planning, different models or
frameworks are proposed. First is the theoretical model, which follows the
pragmatic approach rather than a purist approach and takes into consideration
other extralinguistic factors such as the nature of the special subject field, the
needs of the target users and the socio-cultural context. The pragmatic approach
is divided into two phases, namely the borrowing phase and the indigenisation
phase. In the borrowing phase the borrowed terms are incorporated into the
language with immediate effect and these terms may be replaced by indigenous
terms in the indigenisation phase where less specialised communication is used.
In the indigenisation phase, different language internal term formation strategies
were identified, namely semantic shift, derivation, compounding, paraphrasing,
initialisms, acronyms, clipping and new word manufacture. It was established that
the use of these term formation strategies in Venda requires linguistic expertise, technical expertise and cultural expertise. Accordingly, a sociolinguistic approach
is recommended rather than a purely linguistic approach.
Lastly, a model of practical terminology work and a model for cooperation and
coordination are proposed for terminology work in this language. With regard to
the former, various steps that should be followed in terminology work are
outlined. In the latter model various language agencies, such as government
departments, parastatals and non-governmental organisations that may be
involved in the modernisation of this language are identified. A framework in
which these agencies could cooperate and coordinate their terminology work is
proposed. / Linguistics and Modern Languages / D.Litt. et Phil. (Linguistics)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/17285 |
| Date | 06 1900 |
| Creators | Madiba, Mbulungeni Ronald |
| Contributors | Cluver, August D. de V.(August Dawid de Villiers), Hendrikse, A. P. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xi, 374 p.) |
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