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OPINION & COMMENT Email linguist.editor@gmail.com with your views Globalisation challenge History is full of languages that slowly withered and died, but only one has an official date of death: 31 October 1980. Even more remarkable, the language only had a lifespan of some 20 years. That language was the RLI taal (RLI = Rhodesian Light Infantry; taal = ���language, tongue���), and it evolved as a military patois. Early in 1960, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in Central Africa created a commando-style regiment, which morphed into the RLI. Besides locals, recruits came from South Africa, the UK, the Commonwealth and beyond. In some ways it resembled the French Foreign Legion, where few questions were asked about the often chequered past of new recruits. The official language was English but it rapidly adopted many words and phrases from Afrikaans, spoken by many South African recruits. It also imported words from Chishona ��� the language of the majority African tribe in the country ��� plus English Cockney and some entirely new words. Being a language of frontline soldiers, it was replete with sexual, scatological and other derogatory terms for senior officers and non-members of the unit. In 1965, Rhodesia���s declaration of independence from Britain brought about an influx of new recruits, including Vietnam vets from the USA, who added new elements to the language. In the early 1970s, there was a widespread insurgency, led by Robert Mugabe. The RLI led the counter insurgency operations and, as other units entered the Vol/51 No/6 2012 fray, the new language spread. A ceasefire in 1979 led to the establishment of Zimbabwe. The RLI was disbanded in October 1980. Its members moved on to other armies, clandestine units, mercenary activities or civilian life. The language was dead, except for occasional encounters between members scattered throughout the world. To the best of my knowledge, no dictionary or lexicon of RLI taal was ever created. Instead, for further details consult The Saints: The story of the RLI (Binda, A and Cocks, C, 30 Degrees South, Johannesburg). Here are some of the more printable words and their sources: Babalas (Afrikaans) - drunk or hung over China (Cockney) - friend Chibuli (apocryphally Arabic) - beer Floppy (RLI) - deceased insurgent Gomo (Chishona) - hill, mountain Lekker glide (Afrikaans) - good trip Lemon (RLI) - Failed operation Lighty (Afrikaans) - youngster Shateen (Chishona) - bush, countryside Skate (RLI) - rogue, untrustworthy Tick taxi (RLI) - dog The standard ending for any sentence was ek s�� (literally ���I say���) ��� similar to the Canadian ���hey��� suffix. As in: ���A floppy grazed by a flat dog, ek s����� (���An insurgent eaten by a crocodile���) or ���Catch me a glide to Burg, ou china, ek s����� (���Give me a lift to town, old friend���). Wm G Eaton ACIL DECEMBER/JANUARY �� ISTOCKPHOTO The day the language died One of the most significant challenges of globalisation is finding ways to promote the diverse languages and cultures of people from around the world. As the linguist David Crystal suggests, languages are made prestigious through culture (cinema, music, literature), the political and economic power of the country, and its technological advances. It is the culture connected to a language that gives it meaning and value. The possibilities of connecting to a person���s culture are endless. One can look at beliefs, inventions, architecture and currency. Cultures can be shared through literature, music, celebrations and food from around the world. It is through this sharing that value is given to cultures and people develop a sense of pride in their language. Furthermore, the educational value of a person���s mother tongue should not be overlooked. As Jim Cummins, an expert in this field, concludes, the development of competence in the native language is transferable to the second language. He also emphasises the fragility of children���s mother tongues, which are ���easily lost in the early years of school���. It is important that parents are encouraged to maintain the mother tongue at home. By comparing the syntax of the mother tongue to the new language a real comprehension of the grammar is understood. A person���s identity is conveyed in their language, which is a manifestation and product of a culture. Showing respect for a person���s language and culture is valuing who they are and where they come from. This, in turns, increases their confidence and motivation ��� the keys to success. Anita Bamberger MCIL The Linguist 27