International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences
Year : 2013, Volume : 3, Issue : 10
First page : ( 270) Last page : ( 279)
Online ISSN : 2249-5894.

Language and development in Zimbabwe: The role of indigenous languages in technological development with reference to sindebele language

Hadebe Lillie Beth, (Mrs)

Bulawayo

Online published on 21 November, 2013.

Abstract

In view of the low percent population distribution, age 15–59, of persons having completed secondary education and above and considering that ‘For the 2002 Population census, the population age at least 15 years who have completed grade 3 was classified as literate’ [Census 2002 Bulawayo 2004:21], the paper sought to determine the extent of the role of the Zimbabwean Indigenous languages in technological development in Zimbabwe. The fact that language is usually defined as a tool of communication and development defined in terms of industrial technology results in language, indigenous languages in this case, and development being viewed as non- related concepts. The findings from the literature review revealed that language plays a role in concept formation through which development emanates from. A highly developed language system leads to refined abstractions and refined critical thinking and explanations. Questionnaires were sent to college students studying languages, commercials and sciences. The findings from the questionnaire revealed that whilst language is noted to play a role in propounding and explaining technological development the respondents were not committed to developing indigenous into languages of science and modern technology. Indigenous languages were seen to be confined to domestic chatter and cultural issues. As long as development in Zimbabwe remains expressed in a foreign language then only the ‘literate’ will participate and this will slow down the pace of the technological development for Zimbabwe.

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Keyterms

Language, culture, development.

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