Abstract
M.A.
The aim of this dissertation is to establish the relevance, if not, of the debate
surrounding standard and non-standard language with specific reference to the
current South African situation.
Some background to the debate is provided by means of a concise study of
literature where opposing perspectives of several South African and foreign
linguists are analysed. The debate is consequently viewed from an educational
perspective.
Attention is also paid to extra-linguistic factors currently influencing the unique
linguistic situation in South Africa; South Africa's membership of Africa as well
as its twenty-first century time-spirit comes under scrutiny.
An empirical study tries to establish attitudes of a group tertiary college students
towards varieties of English, i.e. Standard English, Black English Vernacular and
Black South African English.
Certain deductions are made from all aquired information whereupon some
recommendations follow.