An investigation into the factors exerting a subtractive influence on Telegu and its culture.

Abstract

In this study, I investigate the sociolinguistic factors that exert a subtractive influence on the Telugu language and Andhra culture. This study focuses on the sociolinguistic features of the Telugu Community and Telugu speaking Hindus in Natal. The majority of the Telugu speaking immigrants settled in the vicinity where they served during indentureship, for e.g. in Kearsney and Tongaat on the North Coast and, 1II0vo, Esperanza, Umzinto, Sezela and Port Shepstone on the South Coast. The contents of this study are largely based on the findings of the survey conducted among the Andhras living in Durban and surrounding areas. As a Telugu home language speaker and concomitantly, an Andhra, my concern about other Andhras moving away from our language and culture has stimulated me to investigate the factors exerting a subtractive influence on the Telugu language and Andhra Culture. My participation in the Andhra community has afforded me a unique opportunity to view the occurrences in the community. I have enjoyed vast experience as an executive member of the Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa (hereafter AMSSA). The study aims to respond to the following key questions: • Why is there an erosion of the Telugu language and culture? • Is AMSSA fulfilling its aims and objectives in the nurturing of the Telugu language and Andhra culture in South Africa? • Does the Andhra Eisteddfod help in the maintenance of the Telugu language and Andhra culture in South Africa? • What is the community's attitude towards the Telugu language and Andhra culture? This study applies to the sociolinguistic phenomenon of language shift (L.S.) to determine the status of the TeLugu language.