Quote by Njabulo Ndebele
The problems of society will also be the problems of the predominant language of that society. It is the carrier of its perceptions, its attitudes, and its goals, for through it, the speakers absorb entrenched attitudes. The guilt of English then must be recognized and appreciated before its continued use can be advocated.
Summary
This quote suggests that the problems faced by a society are deeply intertwined with the language used by its people. The language carries and perpetuates societal perceptions, attitudes, and goals, as individuals absorb and internalize these established viewpoints through it. Thus, the quote argues that before advocating for the continued use of a dominant language like English, it is crucial to acknowledge and understand the language's role in influencing and perhaps perpetuating the issues faced by society. This acknowledgment is necessary to foster meaningful change and address the problems at hand.