Language maintenance: Factors supporting the use and maintenance of isiZulu in Soshanguve

This article aims at investigating how isiZulu speakers residing in Soshanguve report on the use of their ethnic language, isiZulu, and to outcomes confirm language continues be powerfully maintained Soshanguve. Today South Africa, there are numerous studies that have investigated role English as a dominant language. Other awareness is an extensive shift from using native languages English. The argument this other communities, counterbalanced by number factors. study adopted mixed-methods approach, data were solicited through questionnaires semistructured interviews. sample population comprised 20 participants who sampled purposively. A purposive sampling technique was used because it suggests should certain characteristics, people will provide information assist achieving objectives study. Language ecology theory ethnolinguistic vitality model incorporated lenses analysis. Participants confident living neighbourhood with majority amaZulu provides social unity among them contributes positively towards maintaining findings different domains, reason why viable despite side for centuries. Contribution: research maintenance exploring application Haugen’s well Giles’s vitality. It demonstrates IsiZulu can studied aid these theories observing its context could regarded extension theoretical framework. shows indigenous Soshanguve, such maintain attitudes exercise linguistic choices, similar languages. also play decisive outcomes.