The concept of a nation is not easily defined.

"Nationalism is a deeply contradictory enterprise."

(P Brooker, 1999,148). Our nation is one that has been formed over many years and languages have been brought to us through imperialism, immigrants and time. We have to accept that, "for most nations of the world to escape the profound experience of imperialism would be in fact to escape their own actual history" (P Brooker, 1999,148). We cannot deny that there is an assortment of language, which abound this nation. However, we need to choose one unifying language, which we can all use. This is essential for purposes of communication and mediation, which I will discuss later. This national language would be the only official language and English would be the unifying language.

Our South African identity is one which has changed through imperialism and it is one that has changed through apartheid and it is one which will continue changing in order to progress therefore a national language such as English can become a part of this ever changing south African identity. A national language will not change the identities of South Africans, it will enhance it. People will still speak their different languages however when we are together we will have a common form of communication.

Many cultures form South Africa .We may be diverged in culture but we can be united in language. "Indeed, South Africa is one of the most hybridised countries on the continent, a collage of interacting cultures"(Wade JP, 1999,The Mercury). English, as an official language is essential in order for our different communities to unite. A national language creates constancy, which is essential in forming a national identity. This is possible to accomplish, "People speaking from widely divergent standpoints can nevertheless find a common language in which to talk to one another"(Cameron D, 1995,116-211).

"Marshalls (1968) who has described how talking is an aid to peaceful social relations among the bushmen of south west Africa and Phillips (1965) who has listed a variety of behaviours in tai culture for managing or minimising unpleasantness when social avoidance is not possible" (S.Bochner, 1982,100).

"Contemporary identities can therefore be fluid or consciously delimited. Any number of factors are likely to be under negotiation in either case; whether of religion, nation, language, political ideology or cultural expression" (P Brooker, 1999,109).

Some common words found in the essay are:
South Africa, South Africans, South African, South Africa's, Mercury English, Africans Language, African English, English Singapore, Africa Phillips, national language, south africa, London Routledge, south african, unifying language, african identity, south african identity, common language, official language, speak languages, english unifying, national identity, english unifying language, south african english, identity national language, english official language,
Approximate Word count = 1207
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)