Discuss what Johnson 1968 say , about arrow drawing of languages Include examples between English and zulu
In his 1968 book "Cultural Baggage and the Language Ladder," Johnson discusses the concept of arrow drawing of languages, which refers to the different perspectives and categorizations of languages in the world. He explains that languages are often ranked and hierarchically ordered based on factors such as economic power, political dominance, and cultural prestige.
In the case of English and Zulu, we can see how the arrow drawing of languages plays out. English is a globally dominant language that is widely spoken and serves as a lingua franca in many parts of the world. It is often associated with economic and political power, as well as cultural influence. As a result, English is often placed at the top of the language ladder in many contexts.
On the other hand, Zulu is a Bantu language spoken primarily in South Africa. It is not as widely spoken or as globally influential as English, and therefore it is often placed lower on the language ladder in comparison. Despite this, Zulu is an important language with rich cultural significance and a large number of speakers in its native country.
By examining the status and perception of languages like English and Zulu, we can see how the arrow drawing of languages influences our understanding and categorization of different linguistic varieties. This concept highlights the complexities and power dynamics inherent in language use and how they shape societal perceptions and hierarchies.