New Words in Oshiwambo Pose a Dilemma for Language Development

Jona Haukongo

The development of languages is a complex and ongoing process that involves multiple factors, including historical, social and cultural contexts.

In Namibia, a country with diverse linguistic communities, language development has become an important topic of discussion.
One language that has gained attention is Oshiwambo, a Bantu language spoken by more than half of Namibia’s population.

In recent years, the emergence of Oshiwambo neologisms has presented a dilemma for linguists and language developers in the country.

Neologisms refer to newly created words or phrases that arise to meet the needs of changing contexts, such as the advent of new technologies, or evolving cultural concepts.

KEEPING PACE

Neologisms are an important aspect of language development as they reflect changes in society and culture.

In addition to technology, new words have been coined in Oshiwambo for concepts and ideas especially related to medicine and education.

For example, the Oshiwambo word for computer is “ndiipoto”, which is derived from the English word “computer”.

Similarly, the word for internet is “ondathima”, which means “world web”.

However, the use of neologisms in Oshiwambo has created a linguistic dilemma for language development in Namibia.

On the one hand, neologisms are necessary to keep pace with a changing world and to allow for the expression of new concepts and ideas.

On the other hand, the excessive use of neologisms could lead to the loss of traditional vocabulary and the erosion of a language’s cultural identity.

This dilemma is particularly acute in Oshiwambo, as the language is already under threat from the dominance of English and Afrikaans.

PROS AND CONS

The dilemma of neologisms in Oshiwambo has led to a debate among linguists, educators, and language activists.

Some argue that neologisms are necessary for the development of the language and that they should be embraced as a way to keep pace with the changing world.

Others argue that neologisms should be avoided as much as possible and that efforts should be made to preserve traditional vocabulary and promote the use of Oshiwambo in all spheres of life.

One solution to the dilemma is to strike a balance between the use of neologisms and the preservation of traditional vocabulary.

This can be achieved through developing a standardised Oshiwambo orthography that incorporates both traditional and new words.

This approach has been adopted by the Oshindonga Language Committee, which has developed a standard orthography for Oshindonga that includes both traditional and new words.

TRADITION AND PROGRESS

Another solution is to promote the use of Oshiwambo in all spheres of life, including education, government, and the media.

This can be achieved through developing language policies that promote the use of Oshiwambo and the training of teachers and other professionals in the use of the language.

Efforts are already underway to support the use of Oshiwambo, including the development of a national language policy that recognises the importance of all Namibian languages.

In summary, the use of neologisms in Oshiwambo has led to a linguistic dilemma for language development.

While neologisms are necessary, if used excessively, they can lead to a loss of traditional vocabulary and the erosion of the language’s cultural identity.

A balanced approach that incorporates both traditional and new words, as well as promoting the use of Oshiwambo in all spheres of life, is necessary for the development of the language.

  • Jona Haukongo is a public speaker and specialises in motivational speaking and mentoring. He holds an honours degree in secondary education, majoring in history and Oshiwambo, from the University of Namibia, jonahaukongo1830@gmail.com

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