Communication problems in English used by black South Africans with reference to societal context and educational intervention

Abstract

The made aim by of this Black categorize them. study is to establish the errors South Africans in English and to Only those errors which result in a reduction or a breakdown of communication are included since these errors have a negative influence on the Black South African's ability to study and achieve. Various suggestions to improve the communicative competency of the scholar the student and the teacher have been made.

A short historical background of English as a lingua franca in Africa and a dominant language in South Africa has been given. The development of Black South African English. including the influence of indigenous languages, political factors and factors such as isolation and the policy of separate schools. has been discussed. Black South African English is compared with Standard English and it was determined that it is not a dialect of English but a non-standard form of English which results in communication problems. The problems which poor language competency causes in the government and politics. in education and in the working environment are discussed. The necessity for English usage which is generally understood by the different language groups in South Africa as well as by first and second English language users beyond South Africa's borders is also discussed. The aim of highlighting these factors is to prevent a reduction or a breakdown in communication and to promote the advancement of Black South Africans.