The Diversity of Languages and Cultural Dress Codes in South Africa

1. By:Heidie Kemeng and Livhuwani Rapalalani

2. The different languages that we have in South Africa: unlike other countries who have one or two dominant langauges,we are known for the many diverse languages we have as a nation. We have eleven official languages, which are: Sesotho Tshivenda Tsonga Setswana IsiNdebele IsiZulu Afrikaans English SiSwati IsiXhosa Sepedi These languages are what make up the diverse nation that we are.

3. With the different languages we have, each language has its own cultural dress code which many wear to represent their culture. The following dress codes are examples of what is worn by the different cultures ,mostly on special occasions like weddings, public holidays and cultural gatherings. Due to modernization not many people wear cultural clothing on a daily basis. Tsonga Sesotho IsiXhosa

4. Ndebele Tsonga Setswana

5. Traditional meals are shared across the different groups. Our traditional foods are all the same. The only difference is the way they make the food. The following are a few examples of typical traditional meals in South Africa: Pap, tomato gravy and wors Ingredients: Maize Porridge Wors (Minced meat tied into a sausage) Tomato Onions Chicken feet Ingredients: Chicken feet (boil or deep fry) Mushrooms

6. Traditional games are usually played by children around the age of 2 to 13. These games are played all over South Africa. The following are a few Traditional games: Ladder Hopscotch The player throws the stone into square 1, hops over that square into square 2, then 3, 4, and so on up to 10 and then lands on home with both feet. The player jumps around to again land on both feet in the home square and then hops back into each square up to 2. After picking up the stone from square 1, the player hops over that square and back to baseline. Continue to play as above. To the right: Hopscotch patterns and other games painted on school grounds.

7. Elastic jumping (umagalopha, umghusha) Players jump sequences on an elastic band held on the legs of two other players. Lengths of elastic can be used. If this is not available, players have often used old pantyhose pieces tied together or even woven grass strands. Play starts with the elastic band held on the ankles of support players and, at intervals, this is lifted to right up under the arm pits. Players take turns jumping the sequences and perfecting their skills. Every region has their own traditional jump sequences and rules vary.

8. http://www.childrensrightscent re.co.za/site/files/6592/Chap%2012%20 Traditional%20%20games.pdf http://www.vuvuzelaeatandsleep.com/si te_flash/Mogodu.html http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27 /voopohjin/BraisedChickenFeet009.jpg