Language harmonization in southern africa: toward a standard unified shona orthography (SUSO) for Botswana ,Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article seeks to discuss the harmonization of the Shona language varieties namely ChiKaranga, ChiKalanga, ChiKorekore, ChiNambya, ChiNdau, ChiManyika, ChiBarwe, ChiHwesa, ChiTeve and ChiZezuru. The current Shona orthography uses a conjunctive system of word division that was recommended by Doke in 1931. Detailed word division and spelling rules are found in Fortune's (1972) A Guide to Shona Spelling. The writing system currently being used by the various Shona speakers and writers is deficient since it does not cater for the broader issues ofShona dialectical variations. The spelling system being used by the Shona is purely conventional and bears very little relation to what they speak. The paper argues that a unified standard Shona writing system is achievable by way of prescribing a common alphabet, common spelling, common punctuation and a common word division system. It would be naive to expect a uniform practice at the spoken level. The paper concludes by advising speakers of the different Shona dialects that the spirit of language unification and harmonization should always be that of cooperation and not that of hegemony or conquest.