The South African Reserve Bank recently unveiled a new series of banknotes and coins, but one spelling change on the R100 note has caused confusion among Xitsonga speakers. The new note spells the name of the institution as “bangikulu,” dropping the second “n” that was present on the old notes. The Pan South African Language Board has explained that the extra “n” was incorrect on the old notes and should only be used when referring to a person, not an institution.
Dr. Arnold Mushwana, chairperson of the Xitsonga national language body, further elaborated on the spelling change. He explained that the old banknotes used “banginkulu” as the Xitsonga spelling of the Reserve Bank, but the new note drops the second “n,” changing it to “bangikulu.” The reason for this change is that “banginkulu” is a compound noun formed by a combination of two words – “bangi,” a noun, and “kulu,” an adjective – without an “n.”
The confusion surrounding the spelling change highlights the importance of language in society and the need for consistency and accuracy in its usage. The Pan South African Language Board is responsible for promoting and protecting the country’s official languages, including Xitsonga, and ensuring that they are used correctly in various contexts. The board’s efforts to standardize the spelling of the Reserve Bank’s name in Xitsonga is just one example of its work. Language standardization is important because it allows for clear communication and understanding among speakers of the same language, regardless of where they are from or their level of education.
In addition to promoting language standardization, the Pan South African Language Board also works to preserve and develop the country’s indigenous languages. This is an important task because indigenous languages are often marginalized and face the threat of extinction due to the dominance of more widely spoken languages like English and Afrikaans. The board’s work in this regard includes developing terminology and language resources for various sectors, such as health and education, and promoting the use of indigenous languages in the media and government.
These efforts are crucial for preserving and promoting linguistic diversity in South Africa.Language is not only important for communication and preserving cultural heritage, but it also has economic and social implications. Studies have shown that individuals who are proficient in more than one language are more likely to have higher earnings and better job opportunities. Additionally, language plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and reducing discrimination.
In South Africa, language has been a sensitive issue due to the country’s history of apartheid and the privileging of certain languages over others. The Constitution of South Africa recognizes 11 official languages, including Xitsonga, and provides for their equal status and protection. However, despite these legal protections, there are still challenges in ensuring that all languages are treated equally. For example, there is a lack of resources for promoting and developing indigenous languages, and many schools still teach primarily in English or Afrikaans, making it difficult for students to learn in their mother tongue.
The Pan South African Language Board plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and promoting language diversity and equality. Its work not only benefits speakers of Xitsonga but also contributes to the broader goal of building a more inclusive and diverse society in South Africa. The spelling change on South Africa’s new R100 note has sparked debate among Xitsonga speakers and highlights the importance of language standardization and accuracy. The Pan South African Language Board’s efforts to promote and protect indigenous languages are crucial for preserving linguistic diversity and promoting social and economic development.
