The tsotsitaal phenomenon became popular in the township of Sophiatown, in the 1940s and 1950s, originating with one variety known as Flytaal. The original variety of Tsotsitaal, is based on Afrikaans, with added seTswana terms. Later, came terms from isiZulu and other South African languages. We're told that Tsotsitaal spread first as a language used by gangsters, because it had the power of insuring secrecy in which only those involved in underworld activities could understand it. Originally a male-only language, Tsotsitaal acquired a meaning of city-slickness and street-wisdom. Mastering the language was the proof that one knew the urban environment well enough to cope and not to be threatened. As Tsotsitaal became the symbol of the cultural life of Sophiatown it was also adopted by a number independent and self-affirmed women, who became Tsotsitaal-speakers. It seems today, that Iscamtho is influencing young speakers of tsotsitaals in South Africa. Many seem to adopt the words or expressions they discover on television or in music cultures such as kwaito. 

On the FORUM@8 this morning, we talk about Tsotsitaal. What is Tsotsitaal; the history of Tsotsitaal, how has it evolved over the years; Who speaks Tsotsitaal; Why do they speak Tsotsitaal. Can Tsotsitaal be recognized as a language? Our guests are Lebo Motshegoa - Managing Director at Foshizi Consumer Insight Agency. Known for publishing the 1st Township Lingo dictionaries in South Africa and Masennya Dikotla - Who is the Chief Executive Officer at Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy

The tsotsitaal phenomenon became popular in the township of Sophiatown, in the 1940s and 1950s, originating with one variety known as Flytaal. The original variety of Tsotsitaal, is based on Afrikaans, with added seTswana terms. Later, came terms from isiZulu and other South African languages. We're told that Tsotsitaal spread first as a language used by gangsters, because it had the power of insuring secrecy in which only those involved in underworld activities could understand it. Originally a male-only language, Tsotsitaal acquired a meaning of city-slickness and street-wisdom. Mastering the language was the proof that one knew the urban environment well enough to cope and not to be threatened. As Tsotsitaal became the symbol of the cultural life of Sophiatown it was also adopted by a number independent and self-affirmed women, who became Tsotsitaal-speakers. It seems today, that Iscamtho is influencing young speakers of tsotsitaals in South Africa. Many seem to adopt the words or expressions they discover on television or in music cultures such as kwaito. <br><br>On the FORUM@8 this morning, we talk about Tsotsitaal. What is Tsotsitaal; the history of Tsotsitaal, how has it evolved over the years; Who speaks Tsotsitaal; Why do they speak Tsotsitaal. Can Tsotsitaal be recognized as a language? Our guests are Lebo Motshegoa - Managing Director at Foshizi Consumer Insight Agency. Known for publishing the 1st Township Lingo dictionaries in South Africa and Masennya Dikotla - Who is the Chief Executive Officer at Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy

The Forum@8 is a feature of AMLive with in-depth and interactive discussion on the main story of the day. The Forum@8 is on every week day from 8 to 9am on SAfm radio 104-107 FM nationwide.

The Forum@8 is a feature of AMLive with in-depth and interactive discussion on the main story of the day.