The transformative power of language : from postcolonial to knowledge societies in Africa /
edited by Russell H. Kaschula, H. Ekkehard Wolff
- Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2023.
- xvii, 376 p. ; 23 cm.
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 21 Sep 2020)
Language has played a pivotal role in societal transformation in postcolonial Africa towards the creation of globally competitive knowledge societies; however so far, this role has been under-researched and under-estimated. This volume addresses this gap in the literature, by bringing together a team of globally-recognised scholars to explore the effect of language on African postcolonial societies, and how it has contributed to achieving 'mental decolonisation'. A range of languages are explored, both imported (ex-colonial) and indigenous African, and case studies from different spheres of public discourse are investigated, from universities to legal settings. Demonstrating that multilingualism is a resource for, rather than barrier to, successful transformation, this book brings the intellectualisation and institutionalisation of African languages to the forefront of development discourse, and provides an insightful snap-shot of how current academic research, public discourse, political activism and social community engagement have contributed to societal transformation in South Africa
9781108712774
Language policy--Africa Language--Political aspects--Africa Linguistic minorities--Government policy--Africa