DIE ROL VAN TAALAKTIVISME BY DIE HERWAARDERING VAN ...

Chapter 2 provides an outline of the theoretical background of the study. It provides an
overview of the literature on language activism as phenomenon (and its role within the
field of language planning) and how it manifests in mother tongue struggles around the
world, especially with regard to education. Various definitions of language planning as an
inclusive process, and not only as a top-down action, are investigated. The role that
communities play in influencing language policy is investigated on the basis of various
definitions in the literature regarding language rights activism. Employing the tools of
language activism, as developed by Martel and later Lubbe and Du Plessis are
investigated. At the end of the chapter the conclusion is reached that interaction between
governments and community organisations plays a vital role in preserving and
developing the cultural and linguistic heritage of any community.
Chapter 3 provides an overview of the qualitative research design and methodology used
in the study. For the purposes of this study a literature, documents and empirical study
was done which involved analysing the press clippings. This provides an outline of the
methods followed to obtain information from the literature (both nationally and
internationally), relevant documents and media records selected for the purpose of the
study. It also outlines the strategies followed in order to ensure the validity and reliability.
The study is done on the basis of the typology of the instruments of language activism
introduced by Martel (1999) and further developed by Lubbe et al. (2004) and Du Plessis
(2006). The typology distinguishes between the main instruments of language activism
used by language activists and presents an appreciation of which tools would be more
successful. The analysis was done on the basis of the definitions of language activism and
the social movement theory as discussed in Chapter 2.
Chapter 4 provides an historical background to language planning and language policy
development in South Africa. The chapter highlights the main moments within the
political context of language policy development. An attempt is made to present the role
of language activism in South Africa by studying the relevant literature. Studies on
language activism and mother tongue education as well as official documents on
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