Language policy, linguistic hegemony and exclusion in the Zimbabwean print and broadcasting media
This article examines linguistic hegemony and linguistic exclusion in the Zimbabwean print and broadcasting media. The discussion is based on the fact that the media carry language, operate through language and contribute to language promotion and development. Therefore, this article argues that there is need for a sound and working language policy for the print and broadcasting media in Zimbabwe. The language used in information dissemination, public debates and communication can include or exclude some speech communities in the country. However, the language choices in the media in Zimbabwe demonstrate multilayered linguistic hegemonies where English is generally the dominant language, while Shona and Ndebele are hegemonic to the other languages in Zimbabwe. This situation is attributed to the fact that the broadcasting media in Zimbabwe are part of the colonial heritage; that there is a lack of a clear and consistent language policy of the media in Zimbabwe, which is reflective of the absence of a comprehensible national language policy; that the domination of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation leaves no room for meaningful and authentic competing community radio and television stations; that the media in Zimbabwe are business and political organisations; and that the media in Zimbabwe are appendages of the global media system which favour the use of English.
Interrogating the Autonomy of Previously Marginalised Languages in Zimbabwe's Indigenous-Language Press
Abstract While Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution officially recognises previously marginalised languages, existing studies expose the dominance of Shona and Ndebele in the public domain. Among existing newspapers, only two use indigenous languages. These are Kwayedza and Umthunywa, which publish in Shona and Ndebele respectively. However, presently Kwayedza publishes a column in Ndau, and uMthunywa includes a column in Kalanga. In the context of the prevailing politics of language in Zimbabwe, this study interrogates the autonomy of previously marginalised languages using hegemony, post-structuralist and political economy perspectives to unpack the conundrums of minority-language publishing. The study shows that, whilst the inclusion of previously marginalised languages in these newspapers improves their visibility in the public domain, it inadvertently legitimates the hegemonic position of Shona and Ndebele and the subtle subservience of previously marginalised languages. This study is an important addition to scholarship on the nexus between politics of language and the press in Zimbabwe.
The Use of the Cypriot-Greek Dialect in the Commercials of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.
A study investigated the use of the Cypriot Greek dialect (CG) in radie commercials of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) over a period of ten years. CG, the language of everyday interaction in Cypriot villages, is distinguished from the other language variety commonly used, one closer to standard modern Greek. Analysis of the radio commercials in CG focuses or why this variety is chosen in certain commercials, principally those for traditional food products, locally manufactured products competitive with similar imported products, and products whose possession indicates maintenance of traditional values. It is concluded that CG is used to appeal to rural lower and middle class consumers who embody the values of trad:tional Cypriot society. The most important values, as deduced from the commercials themselves, include consumption of traditional foods, exclusive use of Cypriot products, and priority of family. These commercials also tend to be broadcast at a single peak listening time, after chuvch and before the traditional family meal on Sundays. (MSE) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT Of EDUCATION °Mc* or Educanonat Rematch and Irnprovement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERICI s4.us document has been reproduced as from the Pert On or orgaruzabon ongmatmg Mmor changes have been mad to improve reprOduCtion Quality N. Points ot weer or or:Among stated in tills document do net necIlleenly represent Ofal OERI pompon or ocher CCO UI .PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS PN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC).THE USE OF THE CYPRIOTGREEK DIALECT IN THE COMMERCIALS OF THE CYPRUS BROADCASTING CORPORATION Pavlos Y. Pavlou Georgetown University Paper presented at the 37th annual conference of the International Linguistics Association, Washington, D.C., April 1992