Language

The language of Michelle Faul’s article “What Life Was Like In South Africa During Apartheid” is generally simple and easy to understand, as the writer describes personal experiences. However, there are also a couple of historical and cultural references such as those to “the 1976 uprising in Soweto” (p. 13, l. 8) or “Afrikaans language” (p. 13, l. 4) which requires readers to know the wider context in South Afr…

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Choice of words

When looking at the choice of words, you should note that Faul uses more negative words that positive ones. Her intention is to present readers with a realistic image of the hardships black South Africans faced during the racial discrimination regime known as apartheid:  “rural, racist South Africa” (p. 10, l. 2), “traumatized” (p. 10, l. 9), “subhuman” (p. 10, l. 14), “uncomfortable ride” (p. 10, l. 19); “the brutal, state-sponsored violence” (p. 12, l. 11), “evil system” (p. 13, l. 12), etc.

Positive words are rarely used – “indomitable mum” (p. 10, l.5), “decent health care” (p. 12, l. 4), “a momentous turning point” (p. 13, l. 10). In general, they help the writer contrast the discr…

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Tone

Michelle Faul combines different tones in her article. Sometimes she sounds ironic, such as when she describes the system of establishing one’s race in South Africa. The irony stems from the fact that people’s race was established very arbitrarily and using imprecise or downright silly methods (p. 10, ll. 30-34), yet the effects of segregation were devastating for the black population who were treated as second-class citizens.

At other times, she switches to a sadder tone which helps her criticize the apartheid regime. Sadness is mostly conveyed when the writer talks about the conseque…

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Personal stories

A good part of the article is based on Michelle Faul’s own experiences with apartheid in South Africa. This makes the article very personal, increasing the writer’s credibility while also appealing to readers’ emotions.

For example, the article begins with a story about the writer visiting South Africa as a child, which reveals her first-hand experience with racial segregation: “My mother was furious. The operators of the gas station in rural, racist South Africa had taken her money to fill the car, but would not give her the key to the toilets. They were for whites…