Silenced languages: Probing biblical texts and South African context post-colonially
Theologia Viatorum
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Silenced languages: Probing biblical texts and South African context post-colonially | |
| Creator | Diko, Mlamli | |
| Description | he marginalisation of languages by colonial and apartheid structures distorted cultural identities, obstructing the power and independence of various communities. In this article, I probe the ongoing oppression of languages, especially native languages, and the concerted efforts to decolonise them by drawing parallels between Revelation 7:9, Isaiah 19:18 and Psalm 137 as well as the South African context. I aim to unmask the decolonisation of oppressed languages through the three selected biblical scriptures using post-colonial theory. This article makes three notable findings. Firstly, Revelation 7:9 depicts a varied, multilingual heavenly community, affirming that linguistic multiplicity transcends earthly segregations and mirrors spiritual inclusion. Secondly, Isaiah 19:18 presents a vision of linguistic transformation where Egyptians adopt the language of Canaan, symbolising a shift towards collective identity and religious unity, thus underlining the power of language in advancing inclusivity. Thirdly, Psalm 137 expresses the agony and resilience of the Israelites in a foreign land, exemplifying how language serves as both a repository of cultural identity and a tool of insubordination against assimilation. Collectively, these findings mean that intellectualising sidelined languages nurtures a sense of belonging and solidarity. Above all, this article draws connections with contemporary South Africa, where revitalising indigenous languages echoes the biblical themes of decolonisation.Contribution: This article contributes to the scholarship on language decolonisation by blending post-colonial sociolinguistics and post-colonial biblical critique to uncover how biblical texts inform contemporary efforts to revitalise sidelined languages and cultural identities in South Africa and beyond. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2025-06-19 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/tv.v49i1.292 | |
| Source | Theologia Viatorum; Vol 49, No 1 (2025); 11 pages 2664-2980 0378-4142 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://theologiaviatorum.org/index.php/tv/article/view/292/835
https://theologiaviatorum.org/index.php/tv/article/view/292/836
https://theologiaviatorum.org/index.php/tv/article/view/292/837
https://theologiaviatorum.org/index.php/tv/article/view/292/838
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