Growth of the Zulu language and its structural changes

Abstract

This article does not look into hypothetical forms attributed to a parent or proto-language. It looks into changes of between two or three generations. Too often the assumption is that change in Zulu occurs only in the lexicon or semantic content of words. An attempt is made to show that changes occur in almost all the facets of language, namely, tone, phonology, syntax and the lexicon. Change is viewed as growth rather than as decay. What is regarded as non-standard today, may be regarded as standard form by future generations. The teachers of Zulu of the day ought to approach language change with an open mind because change is the very law of the existence of a language.