The discriminatory practice of language testing for authenticating citizenship: An analysis of operation dudula through a forensic linguistics lens

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dc.contributor.authorDocrat, Zakeera
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-30T09:16:02Z
dc.date.available2025-01-30T09:16:02Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractThis article utilises both the theoretical and practical lenses located in the discipline of forensic linguistics to examine the practice of administering language tests to applicants for citizenship in South Africa, considering the prevailing policies and practices in an international context, and concludes that they should be avoided. In this interdisciplinary article I outline the South African constitutional and legislative provisions affecting language testing and language proficiency when applying for citizenship in multilingual South Africa. In this paper I discuss the linkages between language, citizenship, and xenophobia, building on the work by Brits, Kaschula and Docrat on the role of language in xenophobic attacks and protests. I argue that language tests for immigrants in the South African context perpetuate Apartheid-era thinking, policies and practices. This creates linguistic inequality and contributes to racial tensions and divisions in communities rather than creating social cohesion and equality for all. The article provides a case study of operation dudula, where language is being used to carry out xenophobic acts under the banner of citizenship. A brief comparison is drawn with Ryanair airlines' language tests for South African citizens.
dc.identifier.citationDocrat, Z., 2024. The discriminatory practice of language testing for Authenticating citizenship: An analysis of operation Dudula through a forensic linguistics lens. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad, 27(1).
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2023/v26i0a14692
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/19945
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNorth-West Unversity
dc.subjectCitizenship
dc.subjectForensic linguistics
dc.subjectImmigrants
dc.subjectLanguage tests
dc.subjectOperation dudula
dc.titleThe discriminatory practice of language testing for authenticating citizenship: An analysis of operation dudula through a forensic linguistics lens
dc.typeArticle

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