Trends in recent South African linguistic research

Abstract

Linguistic inquiry is under pressure in South Africa. This is unexpected in a country where such a rich collection of languages are used, ostensibly supported by a very enabling language policy. This paper analyses trends in recent linguistic scholarship for the period 2000 to 2005. In a partial extension of Lubbe (2002) the paper focuses on the extent of scholarship in different linguistic sub-disciplines and the theoretical orientation of research. While the emphasis is on Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, other domestic journals that publish linguistic research occasionally, as well as book publications will be considered. The aim of the paper is to focus on trends, rather than to provide a summary of all findings.