In this study, I investigate the sociolinguistic factors that exert a subtractive influence
on the Telugu language and Andhra culture. This study focuses on the
sociolinguistic features of the Telugu Community and Telugu speaking Hindus in
Natal. The majority of the Telugu speaking immigrants settled in the vicinity where
they served during indentureship, for e.g. in Kearsney and Tongaat on the North
Coast and, lllovo, Esperanza, Umzinto, Sezela and Port Shepstone on the South
Coast.
The contents of this study are largely based on the findings of the survey conducted
among the Andhras living in Durban and surrounding areas. As a Telugu home
language speaker and concomitantly, an Andhra, my concern about other Andhras
moving away from our language and culture has stimulated me to investigate the
factors exerting a subtractive influence on the Telugu language and Andhra Culture.
My participation in the Andhra community has afforded me a unique opportunity to
view the occurrences in the community. I have enjoyed vast experience as an
executive member of the Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa (hereafter AMSSA).
The study aims to respond to the following key questions:
• Why is there an erosion of the Telugu language and culture?
• Is AMSSA fulfilling its aims and objectives in the nurturing of the Telugu
language and Andhra culture in South Africa?
• Does the Andhra Eisteddfod help in the maintenance of the Telugu language
and Andhra culture in South Africa?
• What is the community's attitude towards the Telugu language and Andhra
culture?
This study applies to the sociolinguistic phenomenon of language shift {LS.) to
determine the status of the Telugu language.