'Zimbolicious' - The Creative Potential of Linguistic Innovation

Code-switching and the emergence of new hybrid languages are common in contemporary urban culture in Africa. While the linguistic and sociological aspects of switching between Shona and English in Zimbabwe has been widely analysed, this article proposes that the new linguistic usages entail highly creative and at times subversive potential and energy. The widespread use of new media such as the internet not only strongly enhances the blending of languages and the creation of new idioms but also establishes international ties within a language community. A close reading of the lyrics and the style of musical hits will demonstrate how bilingualism serves the agents of popular culture to create a local artistic flavour within a global setting. Compared with the prolific use of code-switching and slang in the lyrics of songs, the domain of Shona literature shows a greater reluctance to experiment with language. However, the examples of A.C. Moyo's play Pane Nyaya and of Ignatius Mabasa's novel Mapenzi illustrate the linguistic resourcefulness of two prominent literary innovators.