JOURNAL ARTICLE

Tracing the Trajectory of Tshwao: A Socio-Historical Analysis of a Khoisan Language's Endangerment in Zimbabwe.

  • Published In: Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.), 2026, v. 61, n. 2. P. 1007 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Gotosa, Kudzai; Matende, Tawanda 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the socio-historical factors contributing to the endangerment of Tshwao, a Khoisan language spoken by the Khoisan people in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland North Province. It identifies key influences including the numerical dominance and assimilation by Bantu-speaking groups, political subjugation under King Mzilikazi's Ndebele kingdom, selective language development by missionaries favoring dominant languages, and colonial land and language policies that caused displacement and marginalization. The study highlights that these historical and political processes led to the near extinction of Tshwao, with only a few elderly passive speakers remaining and no intergenerational transmission. It concludes that effective language revitalization efforts must address these deep-rooted historical injustices to succeed.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.). 2026/03, Vol. 61, Issue 2, p1007
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0021-9096
  • DOI:10.1177/00219096241303937
  • Accession Number:192177488
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.) is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.