A scholarly review of “Oshikwanyama Orthography 3” and the justification for the need for “Oshikwanyama Orthography 4”

Ekonakono lomoule “loshikwanyama omushangelo 3” neyelifo lediladilo “lomushangelo 4 woshikwanyama”

Auteurs

  • Edward Tangeni Shikesho University of Namibia
  • Petrus Angula Mbenzi Univeristy of Namibia

Mots-clés :

Orthography, consonants, vowels, conjunctive writing, disjunctive writing, Oshikwanyama.

Résumé

The current study examines the evolution and current state of Oshikwanyama orthography, focusing on the development and standardisation efforts in Namibia and Angola. It critically evaluates the existing "Oshikwanyama Orthography 3" to inform the development of the proposed "Oshikwanyama Orthography 4". The evaluation encompasses linguistic, educational, sociolinguistic, and political factors influencing orthography design. The research follows a posteriori approach, focusing on the merits and demerits of the current orthography ("Oshikwanyama Orthography 3"), revised in 2004 by the Oshikwanyama Curriculum Committee of the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) in Okahandja, Namibia. Key considerations include the balance between linguistic soundness and sociopolitical acceptability, the selection of graphemes, word division, and the representation of phonological and suprasegmental features, such as tone. The study emphasises the importance of community involvement in establishing a strong orthography. The findings highlight the need for updates to address outdated lexical conventions, insufficient assimilation processes, and inconsistencies in representation. Recommendations propose the adoption of "Oshikwanyama Orthography 4" with immediate effect to unify standards across borders and enhance language preservation and development. The proposed "Oshikwanyama Orthography 4" will aim to standardise writing for academic, social, and cultural growth, facilitating improved communication and learning for native and non-native users. The paper also recommends that all linguistic varieties of Oshikwanyama be accommodated in the orthography, namely Oshimbadja, Oshikafima, Oshivale and Oshindombodola.

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Bibliographies de l'auteur

Edward Tangeni Shikesho, University of Namibia

is a lecturer at the University of Namibia. He teaches Oshikwanyama Language Education courses at the University's Khomasdal Campus, and Oral Literature of Oshiwambo at the Main Campus. He has written numerous books on the Oshikwanyama language and literature, as well as peer-reviewed academic articles. He also participates in radio programs focused on culture and youth, broadcast by the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.  Additionally, he has contributed several articles to The Namibian newspaper and  Omutumwa newspaper. His research interests include lexicography, linguistics, and Oshiwambo cultural practices.

Petrus Angula Mbenzi, Univeristy of Namibia

is a professor of Oshiwambo at the University of Namibia. He teaches  advanced Oshiwambo linguistics, orature, and beginner-level Oshiwambo courses.  He has authored several books, peer-reviewed articles, and book chapters on  Oshiwambo orature, culture, and linguistics. He also wrote a book on Oshiwambo totemism and several papers on Oshiwambo toponyms. He serves as an
ambassador for the annual Oshakati Totem Expo, is a regular presenter on oral  tradition for the Oshiwambo Radio Service, and contributes to the "Culture Corner"  on the Namibian Clubhouse. He has written numerous contributions for Omukwetu  newspaper, published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. His research  interests include lexicography, onomastics, orature, and linguistics.

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Publiée

06-08-2025

Comment citer

Shikesho, E. T. ., & Mbenzi, P. A. (2025). A scholarly review of “Oshikwanyama Orthography 3” and the justification for the need for “Oshikwanyama Orthography 4”: Ekonakono lomoule “loshikwanyama omushangelo 3” neyelifo lediladilo “lomushangelo 4 woshikwanyama”. NJINGA&SEPÉ: evista nternacional e ulturas, Línguas fricanas rasileiras, 5(Especial II), 154–170. onsulté à l’adresse https://revistas.unilab.edu.br/njingaesape/article/view/2227

Numéro

Vol. 5 No Especial II (2025): A cultura e as literaturas em línguas africanas: estudos e pesquisas/Culture and literature in African languages: studies and research_ Parte II

Rubrique

Seção I - Artigos inéditos e traduções/interpretações

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© NJINGA&SEPÉ: Revista Internacional de Culturas, Línguas Africanas e Brasileiras 2025

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