language and identity

1. EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANGUAGE, RELIGION, AND
IDENTITY IN KABWE
By
Nchimunya Chakopo and Owen Mulima
Nchimunya Chakopo is a secondary school teacher in the Ministry of Education, Zambia.
She holds a BA Ed from Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU), Zambia. She teaches English
Language and Religious Education. Her research interests include: language and religion,
language and identity. Her email address is: nchimunyachakopo@gmail.com
Owen Mulima is a lecturer in Religious Studies. He holds a Cert Social Work, Dip Ed, BA
Ed and M Ed (Rel. Studies & Education)). His email address is: mulimaowen@gmail.com
Abstract
Language and identity are closely related, with language serving as a
powerful marker of cultural and personal identity. It is an integral part of an
individual's self-expression and helps shape their sense of belonging and
connection to their community. The use of language helps to distinguish one
group from another and can influence attitudes, beliefs, and values. It is a
dynamic aspect of identity that can change over time and can reflect the
influences of different cultural and historical influences. The relationship
between language and identity highlights the importance of preserving
linguistic diversity and promoting multilingualism.
Keywords: Communication, Complex, Group, Social Class, and Cultural
Main Text
Kabwe, also known as Broken Hill, is a town in the heart of Zambia’s Central Province with
a rich mining history and cultural heritage. Various languages are spoken in Kabwe, among
these include Bemba, Tonga, Chewa, Lozi and the local one being Lenje. Language and
identity are closely intertwined, with language often serving as an important marker of
cultural and personal identity. The relationship between language and identity is an important
and complex one, and it has been studied extensively in different social groupings around the
world. Al-shammari (2018) asserts that there is a seamless interaction between language and
social identity.

2. According to Kim (2003), language is defined as a dynamic system of communication
comprising codes and symbols which are used by humans to store, retrieve, organise,
structure and communicate knowledge and experiences. Language is an essential aspect of a
person's identity because it is the primary way that individuals express themselves and
connect with others. It is the means by which people convey their thoughts, feelings, and
experiences, and it also reflects their cultural heritage and influences their worldview. For
example, a person who grew up speaking Chinese in an Asian country may have a different
perspective on life than someone who grew up speaking English in an English-speaking
country. The way that people use language can also reveal their social and cultural
background, such as their education, occupation, and region of origin. Tyler and Evans
(2003) say that although all languages share some universal characteristics, languages are
also different in many ways.
In Kabwe, the relationship between language and identity is shaped by various factors such as
ethnicity, religion, education, and migration. The major ethnic groups in Kabwe are Lenje,
Bemba, and Tonga, each with their own unique cultural practices and linguistic traditions.
For instance, people may adopt cultural attitudes and values based on the language that they
speak. For example, the language that someone speaks can affect their attitudes towards
gender roles, social norms, and political ideologies. In some cultures, certain words may be
considered impolite or inappropriate, while in others they may be considered acceptable or
even desirable. Sumner (2010), views identity as a cohesive sense of self, and it includes
ideas, values, and goals of particular groups of people.
The role of religion in shaping language and identity in Kabwe is also significant.
Christianity is the dominant religion in the city, and it has been instrumental in spreading the
use of English as a religious and educational language. However, the use of traditional
African languages in religious rituals and ceremonies remains prevalent, particularly among
the older generations.
Education is another important factor that influences the relationship between language and
identity in Kabwe. The colonial legacy of the British educational system has resulted in the
widespread use of English in formal education in Africa, and this has created a linguistic
divide between the educated and uneducated populations. The idea of language as a method
of displaying one’s identity can be seen in many works by a range of linguistics, including

3. that of Thornborrow (1999), who argues that one of the most fundamental ways we have of
establishing our identity, and of shaping other people’s views of who we are, is through our
use of language.
Another important factor is class. Different social classes may have distinct linguistic
practices and ways of using language that reflect their differing social and economic status.
For example, members of a higher social class may use more formal or elevated forms of
language, while members of a lower social class may use more informal or colloquial forms
of language. These linguistic practices can help to reinforce existing class divisions and serve
as markers of social status and identity.
Gender is also an important factor in shaping language use and identity in Kabwe. Research
has shown that men and women often have different linguistic practices and ways of using
language, with women often being socialized to use language in ways that reflect more
traditional or submissive gender roles. This can influence the way women use language to
construct their identities and interact with others.
Migration has also played a role in shaping the relationship between language and identity in
Kabwe. The movement of people from rural areas to the city has brought with it different
linguistic traditions, and this has contributed to the linguistic diversity of the city. However, it
should be noted that a specific group of people may use a variety of language to show
multiple group loyalties within the same community. Speakers continuously adjust their
identities and contribute to the group’s identity. As such, language is a pillar of identity
undertaking, (Holmes & Wilson, 2017).
In conclusion, the relationship between language and identity in Kabwe is a complex and
dynamic one that is shaped by various factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, and
migration. Understanding this relationship is important in order to appreciate the cultural
richness of Kabwe and the diverse linguistic traditions that make up its identity. The
relationship between language and identity is important for understanding the dynamics of
social and cultural change in Kabwe and for developing strategies for promoting linguistic
diversity and cultural understanding.

4. References
Al-shammari,M, (2008). The Impact of Bicultural Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other
Experiences, (Ksaos) on individual Entrepreneurial Behavior: The Context of Entrepreneurial
Discovery, Evaluation, and Implementation. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, 22
(2): 118
Holmes, J. & Wilson,N.(2017). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 5th Edition. Oxford:
Routledge.
Kim,L.S. (2003). Multiple Identification in a Multicultural Word: A Malaysian Perspective.
Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, 2 (3), 137-158
Thornborrow, J. (1999). Language and Identity, in Thomas.S. & Wareing.S. (Eds),
Language, Society, and Power: An Introduction. London: Routledge
Tyler, A., & Evans, V. (2003). The Semantics of English Prepositions: spatial, scenes,
embodies meaning, and cognition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.