Language

Style of language

The language used by Richard Rive in the short story “The Bench” is neutral and easy to follow. When it comes to the choice of words, the author introduces words often used in South Africa during apartheid, like “baas” (p. 213, l. 42), “skollies” (p. 213, l. 76), or “jong” (p. 213, l. 42). These words highlight the social hierarchy when it comes to the relationships between whites and blacks, but also add to the text’s authenticity. 

Slang is mainly introduced when white characters address Karlie. Racial slurs such as “black bastard” (p. 214, ll. 16-17), “Afrika” (p. 215, l. 55), “black ape” (p. 215, l. 60), or “Kaffirs” (p. 215, l. 61) highlight the discrimination suffered by black South Africans. 

Longer and more complex sentences are used in the first part of the...