Browsing by Author "Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla."

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A comparative ethnography of rituals and worship among Hindus and Zulus in South Africa with special reference to death rituals and ancestor veneration.
(2007) Govender, Rajendran Thangavelu.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
This study examines the similarities and differences between the historical background and the current performance of Hindu and Zulu funerals and associated ceremonies. After presenting an account of the historical development of the Hindu and Zulu communities in South Africa, a chronological account of the performance of each of these funeral ceremonies are presented. This account includes a detailed description of the rituals performed when a person is on his/her death bed, the actual funeral ceremonies and the post death rituals and ceremonies associated with ancestor veneration. The incidence and significance of The Anthropology of Geste and Rhythm in each of these ceremonies are demonstrated according to the theory of Marcel Jousse. The Hindu and Zulu ceremonies are then analysed and interpreted to demonstrate an individuals life crises which Van Gennep called the "Rites of Passage" and distinguishes three phases: separation, transition, and incorporation. The discussion accounts for the transmission of traditions over generations, and which demonstrate the anthropological and psychobiological nature of memory, understanding and expression as evident in the performance of Hindu and Zulu funerals and ceremonies and the manner in which the ancestors are venerated in South Africa. The research was undertaken mainly in Kwa-Zulu Natal. However to fill research gaps in the Hindu investigation a study was undertaken in some parts ofIndia as part of the Ford Foundation International Fellowship Programme.
Ecotourism development with special reference to Etsheni living heritage site.
(2010) Nzama, Mlungisi Wiseman.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
This dissertation looks at how ecotourism can help develop the Etsheni Living Heritage site. There are many ways that can be used to develop a place but this work specifically uses ecotourism as a vehicle for developing this area. Because of the natural resources that are found at Etsheni this research also looks at how these resources can be preserved and sustained in a positive way. The community itself is confronted with many challenges with regard to the development of their place. This study focuses on the theory that can be used in order to ensure that the local community benefits from their living heritage site.
Incazelo yomlando wemvelo wempilo yehlathi Intimbankulu elisemkhadlwini was-Ogwini : kuphonswa inselele emasikweni esiZulu nakwezokungcebeleka = An exploration of the natural and socio-cultural history of Ntimbankulu Forest in the Ugu region : a contribution to Zulu culture and rural eco-tourism.
(2010) Cele-Khuboni, Gloria Nondumiso.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
The study investigates ecotourism potential at Ntimbankulu forest, a remote area which is found at Ugu District Municipality. The essential elements of true ecotourism according to Ceballos-Lascurain, Drake, Boo, Brandon, are: " the participation and involvement of the local communities and residents in close proximity to the site". It is for this reason that the researcher adopted the stakeholder theory which involves local community, NGO and the Government. The main aim of the research is: to improve the standard of living of people near Ntimbankulu forest, (b) to conserve and preserve the natural resources of the forest, (c) to promote and sustain development in the area,( d) to make local community realize the need to protect their natural heritage site which is a huge "rock ship" with a lion crest on one of its side, that is found in the deepest part of the jungle. Lastly, to make the local people benefit from the natural resources found in this Forest. The study also looks at the history and culture of the area. It is hoped that the development of Ntimbankulu Forest will bring many benefits to the local community involving better education, job opportunities, and environmental awareness.
Language variation in Zulu: a case study of contemporary codes and registers in the greater Durban area.
(1995) Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.; Msimang, C. T.; Maartens, Pieter Johann.
This study has been an attempt to clarify a number of basic problems regarding the phenomena of Language Variation and their implications for linguistic usage. The data were collected in the GDA. Very little has been done on Language Variation in Zulu owing to lack of interest in Sociolinguistics in the middle of this century. A study of this nature is imperative because language planners have to design policies for the Government of National Unity in South Africa.There are two very important aspects to National Language Policies. These comprise the ideological aspect, which is concerned with mobilising the nation's sentiments and attitudes towards the acceptance and use of selected speech forms. The second aspect involves the technical side, which looks at the practical elements which are concerned with the problems of implementing the ideology (Whiteley 1963: 150). In order to fulfill the foregoing ideals, we had to look for applicable aims and objectives of Language Variation. The main objectives were: (a) to identify at least seven domains where different language varieties were employed in the Black Durban speech community; (b) to investigate the social attitude of the Black Durban speech community towards CCR's; (c) to trace the origin of and development of the non-standard varieties which are employed by the Black Durban speech community; (d) To investigate the impact of CCR's on the economy, and social conditions prevailing in the GDA. In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, the term 'Language Variation' and its dynamics had to be clarified. Empirical studies on research methodologies had to be resorted to in order to give a sound base to the theoretical framework. A number of theories were explored and they were found to be applicable to Contemporary Codes and Registers employed by the Black Durban speech community. These comprised speech accommodation, cognitive uncertainty, affective reinforcement, gain-loss, social identity, functionalist and interactionist theories. In order to test these theories, I resorted to ethnomethodological and ethnographic approaches to empirical research. The choice of these approaches was to capture data on CCR's in the most objective and valid manner. The next step was to take a deep plunge into field work. I became a participant observer in a number of domains around the Durban Metropolitan area. Interviews with prominent Zulu speakers were also conducted in order to obtain their input towards CCR's. The research was conducted in seven Black townships, situated in the GDA. In addition to this, research was conducted in Westville prison, transportation modes, hospitals, streets, taverns, educational units, and in soccer clubs. I entered the aforementioned domains as a 'friend of a friend' a lecturer, or an ex-class teacher in order to become a participant observer in various activities of the Black Durban speech communities. In addition to this, written questionnaires were administered and answered by respondents. The aim of the questionnaire survey was to measure the magnitude of linguistic transformations in the GDA. Another aim was to capture the attitude of the Black Durban speech community towards non-standard varieties of Zulu. Interviews were also conducted for the same purpose. Checklists were also resorted to in order to secure valid and objective information. The collection and analysis of data alone was not adequate in accounting for Language Variation. Bokamba, (1988:21) mentions that we need data on the communicative behaviour of speakers - the whys and how's of ..... [Language Valiation]. A description of the social context of CCR's as observed in the Black speech community of the GDA was exposed. This involved a presentation of the origins and development of linguistic CR's used in the GDA. CR's included slang, Tsotsitaal/isiLovasi, jargon, borrowing, interlarding, neologisms, which were covered under the term CCR's. The linguistic make up, characteristics and classification of CCR's were also carried out. I had to identify the speakers of CCR's in the various targeted domains, where they are employed, as well as the topics which are normally discussed by the interlocutors. Socio-psychological functions of CCR's as spoken in the targeted areas were uncovered. It was revealed that CCR's entail elaborate and rich linguistic forms. They incorporate everyday situations thus recording the activities of people at a particular era in the history of mankind. At least 75% of the 800 collected lexical items which were regarded as non-standard and filtered talk were found to be known and used by most Black Durban speakers. School children were found to have carried these CCR's to the classroom situation where they were penalised for employing them.
Meaning behind the use and wearing of traditional beadwork at Msinga Area.
(2000) Zungu, Bonisile Pretty Khethiwe.; Ndimande-Hlongwa, Nobuhle Purity.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
A study was conducted to determine the meaning that the people of Msinga area assign to the use and wearing of traditional beadwork. Many people in most areas of our country have adopted the western culture which brought along with it Christianity that led to a decline in the wearing and the use of traditional beadwork. Western civilization also divided the community into two categories, where one finds people who still adhere to traditional culture and those that are westernized. The question that this study aimed to address is to find out whether the people of Msinga area that are still adhering to their traditional culture still value the use and wearing of traditional beadwork. If they do so, what meaning do they assign to any type of beadwork they make and wear? Findings were that those people of Msinga area that are still adhering to their traditional culture, still value the use and wearing of traditional beadwork, and that they have an influence to those that are westernized who are now considering wearing their traditional beadwork as well.
The mismatch between language policy and language practice : status planning for isiZulu in a multilingual and multicultural society.
(2007) Pillay, Rama.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
Although isiZulu has been accorded official status by the constitution of the country, the language continues to be marginalised in the private and public sectors. This illustrates that there is a considerable mismatch between the language policy on the one hand, and language practice on the other hand in these sectors. This is due largely to the problems associated with the practical implementation of the language policy. This study sets out to investigate the attitudes of Zulu and non-Zulu speakers at selected private and public sector institutions to gauge how these speakers feel about isiZulu and what can be done to promote the language in this region. Against this background, an empirical investigation comprising a questionnaire survey, which produced descriptive and inferential statistical data, was undertaken. Data were gathered by means of questionnaires from a random sample of Zulu and non-Zulu speakers from the eThekwini region. Semistructured interviews were conducted with Zulu and non-Zulu speakers at selected private and public sector institutions in this region. Data gathered from the semi-structured interviews were used to complement data from the questionnaires. The main findings indicate that among Zulu speakers, isiZulu has entrenched its position in the domestic domain because it is the main language of communication with family members, friends and neighbours. However, the language has not yet established itself in the commercial sector. The findings reveal that Zulu speakers are proud of isiZulu and they feel that the language has the potential to be used in all spheres of society. The majority of non-Zulu speakers on the other hand, consider isiZulu an important requirement for employment opportunities. They also feel that the isiZulu is going to play an important role in the future and it is imperative that people acquire the language so that they can communicate effectively with the majority in this region. Since the majority of Zulu speakers and non-Zulu speakers in this study display positive attitudes towards isiZulu it augurs well for the future development of the language. Based on the main findings, detailed recommendations are suggested to enhance the practical implementation of isiZulu in the eThekwini region and in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Oral strategies for conflict expression and articulation of criticism in Zulu social discourse.
(2003) Turner, Noleen Sheila.; Conolly, Joan Lucy.; Coullie, Judith Lutge.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
This study examines the oral strategies employed by Zulu speaking people in the expression of conflict and criticism in their social discourse. These oral discourses, viz. izibongo and naming practices, are analysed to ascertain the socially acceptable ways in which Zulus articulate their frustrations and discontent in various social settings. These are commonly used in rural communities, but they also echo in urban social settings. Hostility and ill-feelings are thus channelled through the sanctioned form of these various oral expressions either as a means of merely airing one's dissatisfaction or as a means of seeking personal redress. The study also reveals that these particular forms of oral expression with critical content, do not exist for their own intrinsic value simply to artfully describe a particular individual. They are composed primarily to serve a particular social function of conflict articulation and expression in non-conflictual ways. The function of these oral forms is that of a "socio-cultural archive" (Conolly 2001), which is vested in the memory of those who can express in performance, their renditions of personal and group identity. The aesthetic beauty of these forms must be regarded as a secondary function and a direct by-product of the primary function, which is personal identity expressed in a way which ensures that issues which could cause conflict are highlighted so as to diminish their conflictual potential. The reason for this is that in order to fulfill the first function, which is conflict reduction, Jousse (1990) states there has to be a form (rhythm, balance and formula) which makes the expressions memorisable - which literate people equate to 'poetry'.
The psychodynamic interpretation of selected Gouro tales including their first time recording into writing in the Gouro language and translation.
(2004) Theodore, Tra-Bi Goh.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.; Conolly, Joan Lucy.
This study investigates into the psychodynamic interpretation of ten selected Gouro tales, that is the way in which the mind (psycho) and the action (dynamic body movement) of a Gouro storyteller translate into a performance. Because the tales are initially selected from the Gouro tale repertoire, the study focuses critically on the transcription of the tales into the Gouro language, which has no standardized written form yet, and translates the tales into English. In this thesis three levels of translation are addressed: (1) An inter-lingual level of translation which is the translation of the Gouro tales into English, (2) An oral-literate level of translation, which undertakes the writing down of the Gouro language which currently has no standardised written form, (3) An inter-modal level of translation, which focuses on the translation of an oral performance mode into a written mode in terms of the particular issues addressing the 'putting of the tale performance on the page'. The central theory accounting for the writing down of the Gouro tales in the Gouro language, the translation of the Gouro tales, and their psychodynamic interpretation is the theory of 'Human expression' as identified by the French anthropologist Marcel Jousse under the psycho-physiological laws of 'Mimism, Rhythmism, Bilateralism, and Formulism .' Jousse's theory of 'Human expression' underpins essentially what he calls the 'Oral-style expression', such as it is witnessed amongst the Gouro whose language is still essentially oral. The principles of the Oral style expression are thus applied to the orally performed Gouro tale texts to delineate the tales' dynamic mnemonic contents. In other words, the interpretation and analysis of the Gouro tales aim at identifying the very narrative elements that make possible the memorizing of a story, its recall, and its reliable transmission, such as it is the case in societies with the absence of writing. The products of this study are a suggested work-in-progress for a standardised written form of the Gouro language, and the documentation of the Gouro tradition which is fast disappearing to make it relevant and available to researchers.
The rhythmo-melodic Geste as agent of spiritual communion and/or affirmation of identity : an investigation into the performance of selected tamil and zulu marriage rituals and ceremonies in South Africa.
(2002) Govender, Rajendran Thangavelu.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.; Conolly, Joan Lucy.
This study examines the similarities and differences between the historical background and the current performance of Tamil and traditional Zulu marriages. After presenting an account of the historical development of Tamil and Zulu marriage ceremonies, a chronological account of the performance of each of these marriage ceremonies is presented. This account includes a detailed description of the rituals performed during the pre-marriage ceremonies, the actual marriage ceremonies and the post-marriage ceremonies. The incidence and significance of The Anthropology of Geste and Rhythm in each of these ceremonies are demonstrated. Selected Tamil and Zulu Marriage songs are then analysed and interpreted rhythmo-stylistically to demonstrate the incidence of the mnemonic laws of Bilateralism, Rhythmism and Formulism, which account for the transmission of traditions over generations, and which demonstrate the anthropological and psycho-biological nature of memory, understanding and expression as evident in the performance of Tamil and Zulu marriages in KwaZulu-Natal.
A sociolinguistic analysis of the attitude of staff and students of the university of KwaZulu-Natal, towards a bilingual (English/isiZulu) medium of education.
(2009) Moodley, Dianna Lynette.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
No abstract available.
A sociolinguistic investigation of the status of Isizulu at former house of delegates high schools in the greater Durban area.
(2003) Pillay, Rama.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
This study examines the status of isiZulu from the perspective of English L1, isiZulu L1 learners and educators at former House of Delegates high schools in the greater Durban area. South Africa's Language in Education Policy appears to be very progressive because it identifies 11 official languages of the Constitution. Although isiZulu has been accorded official status in the Constitution it continues to remain peripheral to English and Afrikaans at many schools. In order to research the topic of this study a combination of quantitative and qualitative research designs were used. A questionnaire, which is a quantitative data collection technique, was used to conduct a language survey. A semi-structured interview, which is a qualitative data collection technique, was used to complement data collected from the closed-ended questions. Grade 10,11 and 12 learners returned 371 copies of the questionnaires. Educators returned 51 copies of questionnaires. An important finding of this study was that the majority of isiZulu L1 learners use isiZulu as their home language while English L1 learners use English as their home language. On the issue of which two languages learners and educators prefer as subjects of study, a majority of isiZulu L1learners and educators opted for English and isiZulu, while majority of English L1 learners opted for English and Afrikaans. Although a majority of isiZulu L1 learners stated that they use isiZulu extensively when .communicating with their parents, older people, siblings and their peers outside the classroom, a significant percentage of these learners stated that they are not allowed to use isiZulu in the classroom. The majority of isiZulu L1 and English L1 learners however, stated that they wanted their educators to use English in the classroom because English is regarded as an international language with enormous economic advantages. Although isiZulu L1 learners have considerable regard for English in their education there is also strong support for their home language because the majority of these learners are in favour of bilingual education, which they regard as being important to their academic progress. Another important finding was that the majority of English L1, isiZulu L1 learners and educators have a positive attitude towards isiZulu which they would like to learn if it is offered, albeit optionally. On the basis of the findings the following recommendations are made • The role of governing bodies needs to be revisited • Review of language policy • Government support • Pre- service and in-service educator training • The provision of books and education material in indigenous African languages. It is fervently hoped that the above recommendations will contribute towards the elevation of the status of isiZulu at former House of Delegates high schools in the greater Durban area.
Ukuqhathaniswa kwezibongo zabantu basentshonalanga-Afrika, Empumalanga- Afrika Nezabasemzansi-Afrika Njengenkomba yesiko lobuzwe obubodwa base- Afrika.
(2001) Ndimande-Hlongwa, Nobuhle Purity.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
This research is entitled «A comparative study of Western, Eastern and Southern African surnames as a reflection of African identity" In this study the researcher looked at the historical Origins of surnames in the world, making references of countries including Britain, Scotland, China and India. The researcher then came to the African continent, where she targeted Western, Eastern and Southern Africa as areas of research. The reason for choosing these three parts of Africa is because they fall under the largest language family in the continent i.e. Niger-Kordofanian. The analysis of the findings reveals some similarities between naming practices among Western, Eastern and Southern African Kintu language groups. In the analysis of African surnames, it came out very clear that in these three parts of Africa most surnames are derived from people's names, especially male names; time of the day; animal names; weather condition and from natural phenomenon. Looking at African traditional religion, it came out from the research that in these three parts of Africa there are three categories of religion i.e. Christianity, African religion and Islamic religion. In this particular research religion came through because the findings reveal that religion had an important impact on naming in Western, Eastern and Western Africa and also in other countries in Europe as well. This research gives a proof that Bantu/Kintu languages spoken in Western, Eastern and Southern Africa are related due to common origin from the ancestor language called Proto Bantu. The language relations and the common origin from one ancestor language resulted in similar cultures and similar naming practices among the three parts of Africa. IQOQA Isihloko salolu cwaningo sithi! "Ukuqhathaniswa kwezibongo zaseNtshonalanga-Afrika, eMpumalanga-Afrika, naseMzansi-Afrika njengenkomba yobuzwe obubodwa base-Afrika". Kulolu phando umcwaningi ubheke umlando wokudabuka kwezibongo emhlabeni, ube esegcizelela ukudabuka kwezibongo eBrithani, eScotland, eChina naseNdiya. Umcwaningi ube esebuya eza ezwenikazi i-Afrika lapho eqoke khona ukusebenzisa amazwe aseNtshonalanga-Afrika, eMpumalanga-Afrika naseMzansi-Afrika. Isizathu sokuqoka lezi zizinda ezintathu e-Afrika ngesokuthi amazwe alapha angena ngaphansi komndeni omkhulu e-Afrika obizwa ngokuthi i-Niger-Kordofanian. Uma kuhlaziywa okutholakele ngokocwaningo kuyatholakala ukuthi kukhona ukwefanana ezindleleni ezisetshenziswayo uma kwethiwa amagama nezibongo eNtshonalanga-Afrika, eMpumalanga-Afrika naseMzansi-Afrika. Kutholakale. futhi ukuthi izibongo eziningi zethiwe zisuselwa emagameni abantu, ikakhulukazi emagameni abantu besilisa; esikhathini sosuku, emagameni ezilwane, esimweni seZulu kanye nasezintweni eziyimvelo. Kuthe uma sekubhekwa ngeso lenkolo yase-Afrika kwatholakala ukuthi zintathu izinhlobo zenkolo ezikhona : inkolo yobuKristu, yeSintu neyamaSulumane. Kulolu cwaningo, inkolo ingene ngoba kutholakale ukuthi ineqhaza elikhulu elibambile ekwethiweni kwamagama eNtshonalanga"Afrika, eMpumalanga-Afrika naseMzansi-Afrika kanye nakwamanye amazwe eYurophu. Lolu cwaningo lunikeza isiqiniseko sokuthi izilimi zabantu ezikhulunywa eNtshonalanga-Afrika, eMpumalanga-Afrika naseMzansi-Afrika zihlobene ngenxa yokudabuka kukhokho oyedwa wolimi. Ubuhlobo obudalwe ulimi ngokudabuka ndawonye yilona olungumphumela wamasiko kanye nezindlela zokwetha amagama nezibongo ezifanayo eNtshonalanga-Afriaka eMpumalanga-Afrika, naseMzansi-Afrika.
Ukwenziwa kwesichazimagama sesilengi olimini lwesizulu : Specialised lexicography with reference to the Zulu slang.
(2000) Simelane, Jabulani Daniel.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.; Sitaram, Rambhajun.
The research 'Specialized Lexicography with reference to the Zulu Slang' focuses on the aspects of language development which have not yet been considered in isiZulu language. The study also tries to uncover how other languages have benefited from slang words. Linguistic, lexicographical and psycho-social theories have been used in this study to guide the analysis and interpretation of the data. Fromkin and Rodman's (1978) general linguistic theory states that for one to understand one's humanity, one must understand the language that makes one human. The only specific theory of lexicography is that of Zgusta (1971). This theory says that lexicography is connected with all language disciplines. However, there are other theories that have been used like Symbolic Interaction Theory by Mead (1934) which focuses on the way in which people interact with others. Attraction Theory has been used. This theory states that some people get attracted to others, while some incur losses during the process. The Attraction Theory by Grush, Clore, and Costin, (1988) is a psychological theory which proposes that it is human nature to be attracted to things which come easily. Data was collected by means of the participant observation method so that naturally occurring data could be observed and noted. In the case of slang, speakers use this subconsciously at most times. Hence, this method proved to be the best and most reliable method for collecting primary data. The findings of the study indicates that slang words have a major contribution in a language development. Zulu slang words are constantly being used in texts, television and radio. Hence, these words are very much part of Zulu language development and change. However, they have not been documented in a dictionary or otherwise. The main conclusion of the study is that Zulu slang words are part and parcel of many Zulu speakers vocabulary. This, therefore, creates the need for documentation of these words in a dictionary viz. a dictionary of Zulu slang. The following recommendation are made: 1. The formulation of a Zulu Slang Dictionary is an imperative. 2. Other African languages should also pursue such an endeavor. 3. NRF, PANSALB and other language related councils should not only focus on the standardization of languages, but ought also to focus on the development of non-standard varieties e.g. Slang, these institutions should also offer funding with regard to such developments.
Uphenyo ngezinga lolimi lwezimpawu lwaseningizimu Afrika nemiphumela yalo ekuthuthukiseni impilo yezithulu ezizalwa ngabancela isizulu ebeleni.
(2004) Cele, Nokuzola Christina Kamadikizela.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
After the release of Act No 108 of 1996, the status of the nine African languages of South Africa was elevated to that of English and Afrikaans and as a result, for the first time in the history of languages, South Africa became the first country in Africa to have eleven official languages. However, Sign Language for the Deaf was left out even though Section 6(4) of the South African School's Act No 84 of 1996 puts it clearly that "A recognized sign Language has the status of an official language for purposes of learning at a public school". In terms of Section 6 (5) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Pan South African Language Board was also given a task to promote, and create conditions for the development and use of the Sign Language. DEAFSA (1996), states that Sign Language is the first or natural language for the Deaf. In Act No. 108 of 1996: Section 29(2) stipulates that: "Everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice in public educational institution where that is reasonably practicable". The first objective of this study was to investigate if the South African Sign Language (SASL) was a fully-fledged language and to find out more about the present status of this language. The second objective was to examine if South African Sign Language was taught to Parents of Deaf children from the Zulu hearing community's point of view. Marcel Jousse; a French Jesuit Anthropologist and linguist, firmly believes in the anthropology of geste, which is synonymous with the anthropology of mimicry. This theory forms the basis of language acquisition of all peoples of the world. "The oral style with its mnemotechnic devices only comes into play once the individual has been informed by a reality which he receives and replays through his mimic being as a whole, (Fanning (1995:vii). This theory best describes the manner in which signers acquire their sign language, which solely depends on gestures made in the space by hands, body movements and facial expressions. In this theory, the anthropos plays out the receptions of the universe, replays them, stores them and revivifies them in expressions that are the mimisms of the whole human compound: corporeal, ocular and auricular manual. Unfortunately, the laryngo - buccal mimism is excluded in deaf people since they cannot speak. A multi-disciplinary approach from the educational, linguistic, historical, political and cultural perspectives was employed in collecting data for this study. The samples for the study comprised deaf learners, deaf educators, and hearing educators in schools for the deaf, interpreters of sign language, senior management from the schools of Deaf learners and parents of the deaf children. The researcher discovered that very little has been done by researchers and the government of the day to assist the deaf to gain recognition in his or her community. Parents of deaf children are unable to communicate fully with their children. The study also revealed that deaf children prefer to be taught by deaf teachers because they can identify much better with them. The researcher discovered that literature for the deaf is non-existent in all spheres of their lives. Sign language per se, is not taught as a subject. Deaf learners are not allowed to take their subjects at a Higher Grade; as a result, they feel extremely marginalized by the educators. Promoting this language would improve our trade and industry, travel & tourism etc. Student exchange programmes would also enhance the development of the sign language locally, nationally and internationally. The Deaf would become multilingual in the Sign Languages of the world when they come into contact with Deaf people from other parts of the world. This would involve sport, education, politics and other activities. The deaf would be equipped to meet various challenges in life. The Deaf people need to communicate freely amongst themselves and the hearing community of our country should make an effort to learn the Sign Language so that they are able to communicate with the deaf. This would improve the socio-economic status of our country.