English Language: A 'Tool' for Social Connectedness: A Study of Native Teens in Botswana

Autor/in	Mibenge, Catherine
Titel	English Language: A 'Tool' for Social Connectedness: A Study of Native Teens in Botswana
Quelle	In: Power and Education, 8 (2016) 2, S.196-202 (7 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1757-7438
DOI	10.1177/1757743816651897
Schlagwörter	English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Interpersonal Communication; Cultural Capital; Self Concept; Language Usage; Social Bias; Family Environment; Foreign Countries; African Languages; Language Proficiency; Language Attitudes; Language of Instruction; Student Attitudes; Botswana + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Interpersonale Kommunikation; Selbstkonzept; Sprachgebrauch; Familienmilieu; Ausland; Africa; Language; Languages; Afrika; Sprachen; Afrikanische Sprache; Language skill; Language skills; Sprachkompetenz; Sprachverhalten; Teaching language; Unterrichtssprache; Schülerverhalten
Abstract	The main aim of this exploratory study was to establish how Batswana teens (natives of Botswana), who predominantly spoke English in social interactions, negotiated communication transactions with non-speakers of English. The author presents her reflections in the manner of a think piece, However, she interviewed some young Batswana to help understand how they navigated communication with locals who did not speak English. The data was then analysed for themes, recurring patterns and variations. The findings of the study revealed that participants experienced satisfactory levels of social connectedness, due to the fact that they interacted primarily with 'their own' -- that is, others who also spoke English at home and in their immediate social settings. However, they did experience unsatisfactory levels of social connectedness with non-speakers of English. In the analysis, the experiences were found to have elicited minimal negative effects, as they were viewed as transient and often sporadic. Beyond her conclusions, the author advances the implications of Botswana being at risk of losing its 'cultural capital', even as these young Batswana attain and enjoy linguistic capital. At risk is a loss of language identity. New 'slang' references, often derogatory in nature, have also emerged, with these young people being called 'coconuts' or 'Oreos'. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01