The constitutional dynamism of a multilingual language policy: A case of South Africa

Abstract

This article provides an intertextual understanding of language policy text which could be considered as a constitutional text. The concept of intertextuality is used in this article to analyse the factors that play a role in language policy decisions and its resultant implementation. The South African language policy is used as an example of such a constitutional text. Recent developments in language planning, policy and implementation in South Africa have led to a view that language policy is a text that is in a constant state of productivity, and it is always in a state of change and transformation. The results of this study show that a multilingual language policy such as that of South Africa has an internal textual space that carries a plurality of meaning of good and justice. It also expresses pluralism in society. Externally, a multilingual policy text has an active relationship through dialogue with other public interpretations and is open to struggles for social transformation.

South African Journal of African Languages 2012, 32(2): 181–187