The Uniqueness of the South African National Anthem: Why It Incorporates English

The Uniqueness of the South African National Anthem: Why It Incorporates English

The South African national anthem, titled 'Nkosi Sikelel'i Africa' (God Bless Africa), is known for its unique composition and historical significance. Contrary to common belief, the anthem is not fully in a single language. Instead, it incorporates multiple languages, reflecting the country's rich cultural diversity. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the inclusion of English in the South African national anthem and its historical context.

Historical Context of the National Anthem

Before delving into the specifics of the national anthem, it is essential to understand the historical context. South Africa has a complex and tumultuous history, marked by the apartheid era. The country transitioned from apartheid to democracy in the early 1990s, leading to a period of significant change and reflection. Writing a national anthem that represented all South African citizens was a critical task.

Why the National Anthem is Trilingual

The South African national anthem is trilingual, incorporating Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. Each language represents a significant cultural group within the country. For instance, Xhosa is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, spoken by about 16% of the population. Afrikaans, while not as widely spoken, holds a significant place in the country's history and heritage. English, being one of the official languages, represents the international nature of South Africa.

English in the National Anthem

The inclusion of English in the national anthem serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensures that the anthem is accessible to the majority of the population who may not be fluent in Xhosa or Afrikaans. Secondly, it signifies the country's commitment to multilingualism and inclusivity. Lastly, it reflects the historical context of the country, acknowledging the role of English during the colonial and post-colonial eras.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its inclusive nature, the national anthem has faced criticisms and controversies. Some individuals argue that maintaining English as part of the anthem undermines the adopted official languages and fails to truly represent non-English-speaking communities. There have been calls to replace English with other official languages, such as isiZulu, which is the second most widely spoken language.

For instance, one critic suggests that 'English is not a language the people have chosen; it is foisted upon them by the British Empire' (Burger, 2012). This perspective highlights the historical context of colonialism and its lasting impact on the country's language policies.

Response to Criticisms

Proponents of the national anthem argue that its trilingual nature is a testament to South Africa's inclusive identity. The inclusion of English does not detract from the significance of the other languages but rather complements them. The national anthem serves as a symbol of unity and shared identity among all South Africans, regardless of their linguistic background.

One example is the statement that 'Whites have both “English” and “Afrikaans” so along with “Xhosa”, theirs is included' (Ntablada, 2023). This reflects the historical reality that Afrikaans and English both play a role in the cultural landscape of South Africa. The inclusion of English within the national anthem reinforces the idea that non-English-speaking white South Africans also belong to the nation and its community.

Conclusion

The South African national anthem's trilingual nature reflects the country's commitment to inclusivity and multilingualism. The inclusion of English, alongside Xhosa and Afrikaans, demonstrates the country's acknowledgment of its historical and cultural complexities. While the national anthem remains a source of pride and unity, it also continues to spark debate and reflection on the interplay between language, identity, and nation-building in post-apartheid South Africa.

Keywords: South African National Anthem, Inclusivity, Trilingual