The language problem, then and now.
I find it very difficult to visualise the first encounters between two totally different groups who spoke different languages, and were of a different colour, attire and stature. An Englishman landing on the western shores of southern Africa (assuming he was about 6 feet tall) would come face to face with a local inhabitant, Bushman or Hottentot,( much nearer five feet), would probably find it hard to believe what he saw. The language each used, was probably completely incomprehensible to the other, must have sounded very strange. Sign language, using gestures that were unique to either side, would equally have been difficult to comprehend, but one must assume that some form of interaction was used to express the intentions of either side. Truly a difficult start to any relationship. I often sit and wonder how I would have handled such a situation, other than showing empty hands to try to express peaceful intent.
As time went by, I assume that certain words came into daily use, and different words used in various situations became common. Words for food, water, wood, cattle and the like would probably been among those that fell into this category. Quite possibly each side introduced some words that would be used regularly, such as water. I cannot imagine how the settlers tried to explain their intent in coming to this ‘new’ land, and wonder if our forebears had any idea of the changes and developments that would take place over the years.
Coming back to modern times, and taking into account the settlers original experiences with the problems arising out of this first encounter, I find it very strange, that instead of developing a common language, we have, in South Africa, 11 official languages.
Based on the discussions I have had with a number of people from different groups and backgrounds, it seems that the ‘settlers’ were not inclined to spend a lot of time and effort to learn the local languages. This must have sent out a message that the settlers considered it the task of the ‘locals’ to learn ‘their’ language as the accepted form of communication. The lack of ability to communicate, except for certain basic words, must have been a considerable barrier, and in my view, did very little to build relationships. In the next blog I will comment on the effect that I feel this had on the perceptions each group, local and immigrant, had of each other and how this affected that relationship.