William L. Leap Knihy

Originally published in 1991. The transplantation of thousands of Indian workers to South Africa under indenture between 1860 and 1911 was a political act with far-reaching consequences for their linguistic traditions. In this book, the history of one of these Indic languages, Bhojpuri, and its adaptations to its new context are traced to the point where a distinct South African Bhojpuri koine (generally known as Hindi) came into being. The roots and subsequent evolution of this language variety, as well as the events contributing to its demise, form the basis of this study. Current patterns of usage by different generations are documented in the form of traditional folk tales, proverbs, riddles and songs, alongside personal interviews. This study offers a partial history of Bhojpuri speakers, who have been otherwise largely silent in the history of colonial Natal.

Focusing on the linguistic and social practices surrounding same-sex desires in the pre-Stonewall era, the book reveals a complex web of language shaped by various factors such as gender, race, class, and geography. It challenges the notion of a singular code, showing instead a diverse array of expressions that permeated both public and private spheres. This exploration offers valuable insights for students and scholars interested in the intersections of language, sexuality, and queer historical linguistics.