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Language as a weapon of mass destruction

News 24, 7 may 2012

The subject of language as the powerful tool used for oppression, deprivation and exclusion is largely viewed as a long overdue phenomenon by the elite in the main. This is especially true when it is voiced from the South African context. Also the suggestion that this integral element of humanity could be used in its diversified form to integrate and economically empower the masses of our people is perceived in a negative light.

More often than not when discussions are held and solutions suggested concerning national crises, the language issue hardly occupies a central position on the agenda. Furthermore, I have observed that the well and/or ill-being of the economy is barely associated with the knowledge and understanding of each other's languages and cultures. Read more...