Abstract
M.Litt. et Phil.
The primary aim of this study is to describe a language form used by homosexuals, specifically the homosexual language as spoken by Afrikaans homosexuals. Secondarily the aim is to compile a gay lexicon with words derived from this research. A further underlying aim of this study is to establish the lexical item gay as an Afrikaans lemma. Gay as such has up to now only appeared in one Afrikaans dictionary (HAT 1994), although it appears frequently in colloquial Afrikaans language, Afrikaans printed media as well as the spoken media.
Gay language is well established and recognised in countries such as America and the Netherlands. They have even compiled dictionaries for the use of gay language. In Afrikaans we have dictionaries for several forms of slang and jargon and even short lists of words compiled by researchers for gay words, but still no dictionary for Afrikaans gay language. This study aims at being a first step in creating a dictionary for gay terms.
The effeminisation practised by homosexuals features strongly in their use of language and reflects in the frequent use of gender swopping. A further characteristic of gay language is the use of female names and pronouns. This study analyses the influence of the gay reality on their use of language.
In order to describe the language spoken by Afrikaans gays, this study explains terms such as slang, jargon and register and then categorises Afrikaans gay language accordingly.
Etymologically some gay words can be traced, but not many. The practice of gay language is an ever-changing one, which is characteristic of any spoken form of language. Therefore, the list of gay terms with which the study concludes, will have to be updated frequently.
The field of gay language leaves itself wide open for further research, especially with regards to the quantitative measurement of voice pitches and voice patterns. A study done in the Cape region would also assist in giving a broader perspective into the existence of gay language as influenced by dialect.