| Summary: | In this study it proved by means of a short historical
review that Afrikaans is the oldest Western "African"
language in Namibia. During the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries Afrikaans was introduced, and established in the
country by Oorlams, Basters, Colourds and trekking farmers.
Probably because of the fact that from the beginning
Afrikaans was not exclusively a language of whites only, and
because of destabilization factors aiding the spreading and
establishment of the language, Afrikaans today is the lingua
franca of more than 80% of the Namibian population.
The language situation at the mines was investigated against
this background in order to formulate a language policy by
using the language planning theory to arrive at suggestions
for the solving of communication problems experienced at the
mines.
Information about the language situation at the mines was
gathered by means of observation visits, informal
interviews, group discussions an questionnaires, and this
was analized by using a communication and misunderstanding
model.
The conclusion was that communication problems experienced
by the three minegroups investigated, operate on different
levels. The more Afrikaans was used in the job situation,
the less serious communication problems were experienced,
and vice versa. At predominant English mines where the
unskilled and semi-skilled workforce consists of mainly one
cultural group, prejudice and stereotyping were the main
cause of bad communication.
Solutions for communication problems would only be found if
both linguistic and non-linguistic causes for bad
communication are taken into account. At all the mines the
best solution will be that of a multilingual approach.
If any of the mines strive for successful planning, it would
mean that a choice of language would have to be made to fit
into the linguistic context of this country as well as
satisfying instrumental and symbolic needs. In a situation
as such, Afrikaans could be used to fulfil the instrumental
and internal needs, and English the symbolic and external
needs. === Thesis (DLitt)--PU for CHE, 1992.
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