DOI: 10.5176/2251-3566_L313.17
Authors: Dr.VM Mojela
Abstract:
The word, Bantu, is an internationally recognized classificatory term referring to a subgroup of the Niger-Congo family of languages and its people. This sub-family of African languages is also called the Benue Congo group. As a result of the Apartheid policies in South Africa, this internationally accredited classificatory term came to be associated with several negative racist connotations which did not form part of its meaning before. The main purpose in this research is to re-define the term ‘bantu’ to restore its original and real meaning in the minds of the people, especially the South African communities, and to remove the stigma which the community associates the term with. In order to give comprehensive definition of the term ‘Bantu’, a detailed introductory analysis of the classification of the languages of Africa is necessary.
Keywords: BANTU LANGUGES, NIGER-CONGO LANGUAGES, AFRICAN LANGUAGES, BLACK LANGUAGES, APARTHEID REGIME
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