Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home Africana Periodical Literature Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:'Zimbolicious': the creative potential of linguistic innovation: the case of Shona-English in Zimbabwe
Author:Veit-Wild, FloraISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:Journal of Southern African Studies
Volume:35
Issue:3
Pages:683-697
Language:English
Geographic term:Zimbabwe
Subjects:codeswitching
sociolinguistics
urban youth
Shona language
literature
popular music
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03057070903101896
Abstract:Code-switching and the emergence of new hybrid languages are common in contemporary urban culture in Africa. While the linguistic and sociological aspects of switching between Shona and English in Zimbabwe has been widely analysed, this article proposes that the new linguistic usages entail highly creative and at times subversive potential and energy. The widespread use of new media such as the internet not only strongly enhances the blending of languages and the creation of new idioms but also establishes international ties within a language community. A close reading of the lyrics and the style of musical hits demonstrates how bilingualism serves the agents of popular culture to create a local artistic flavour within a global setting. Compared with the prolific use of code-switching and slang in the lyrics of songs, the domain of Shona literature shows a greater reluctance to experiment with language. However, the examples of A.C. Moyo's play 'Pane Nyaya' and of Ignatius Mabasa's novel 'Mapenzi' illustrate the linguistic resourcefulness of two prominent literary innovators. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
Views
Cover