Responding to xenophobic violence in South Africa: identity negotiation and language practices of Nigerian immigrants in Cape Town and Johannesburg

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Abstract

This study reflects on language use and identity navigation in the context of xenophobia. It specifically examines language practices by Nigerian Igbo immigrants as they relate to negotiating social and national identities, as well as motivations of the language practices and how they relate to evading xenophobic attacks. The study employs an interactional sociolinguistics framework, and drew on semi-structured interviews, ethnographic, participant observation, focus group discussions and documentation of lived experiences involving 20 participants in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The study identifies language practices such as code- (or emblematic) switching, translanguaging, language learning and innovations and adoptions employed by the immigrants to navigate social and national identities. Key themes relating to the motivations for the language practices include the need for integration, safety and livelihood. The language practices tell a story of xenophobic experiences, and of the immigrant’s response to try to evade such attacks, violence, or threats. This represents original insight into the South African context, as well as a unique contribution to knowledge in terms of how language and language use mirrors life in society.