The role of Xhosa in an Eastern Cape army camp

Abstract

This article reports on a study which investigated the role of Xhosa as a ‘link’ language in a South African army camp. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a questionnaire, interviews with army personnel and observations of military life in the camp. It was found that English is the language used for formal, work-related activities; in line with the unofficial language policy of the camp. Xhosa was, to some extent, used as a link language, but usually during informal, off-duty activities.