Abstract
Abstract : Minority language groups in Zimbabwe face many challenges as they strive for space and recognition for their languages. This study focuses particularly on the Tonga language spoken in the Binga District, Zimbabwe. It aims to explore the language planning goals for the revitalisation of Tonga, as well as the challenges encountered in realising these goals in two domains, i.e. the home-neighbourhood-community and the school domain. Data was gathered through interviews, as well as the use of secondary sources. For interviews, social actors involved in the revitalisation of Tonga were used as informants. These included Binga chiefs and their communities, non-governmental organisations, publishing houses and universities. Broadly speaking, the study reveals that the goals of Tonga revitalisation fall under language maintenance goals with an orientation towards community language maintenance (CLM), as well as language spread (acquisition) and standardisation for the home-neighbourhood- community (HNC) and school domains respectively. Within the HNC domain, the Tonga community faced great challenges in garnering ideological consensus within the community itself mainly due to a lack of advocacy and lobbying skills. They also faced challenges in gaining entry into domains outside the home, particularly the school domain. Following an analysis of the challenges encountered, this study therefore argues that minority language groups cannot do it without support and collaboration with other stakeholders, including central government. The insights drawn from this study’s findings might be applicable to other minority language groups in Zimbabwe and elsewhere, for example, in respect of offering feasible alternatives to the challenges of micro-level language revitalisation.