Cambridge Handbook of African Linguistics

This book provides an in-depth and comprehensive state-of-the-art study of African languages and language in Africa since its beginnings as a colonial science at the turn of the twentieth century in Europe. Compiled by 56 internationally renowned scholars, it examines past and current research on African languages and language in Africa under the impact of paradigmatic changes from colonial to postcolonial perspectives. It highlights the central role that language plays in postcolonial transformation processes of sociocultural modernization and economic development, and addresses recent patterns of communication and applied dimensions of digitalization and human language technology.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 834 pages
\n Publication date: 16 May 2019
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This book is a groundbreaking and comprehensive exploration of African languages and language in Africa since its inception as a colonial science at the turn of the twentieth century in Europe. Compiled by 56 internationally renowned scholars, this groundbreaking study examines past and current research on African languages and language in Africa under the impact of paradigmatic changes from colonial to postcolonial perspectives. It addresses current trends in the study of the role and functions of language, both African and other, in pre- and postcolonial African societies. Highlighting the central role that the language factor plays in postcolonial transformation processes of sociocultural modernization and economic development, it also addresses more recent, particularly urban, patterns of communication and outlines applied dimensions of digitalization and human language technology.

The book begins by providing an overview of the historical and cultural contexts in which African languages have developed and evolved. It explores the various linguistic families, dialects, and languages spoken across the continent, as well as the social, political, and economic factors that have influenced their development and usage. The second chapter delves into the theoretical and methodological approaches used in the study of African languages. It discusses the importance of interdisciplinary research, the use of indigenous languages as research materials, and the challenges of documenting and preserving endangered languages.

The third chapter examines the role of African languages in shaping African societies and cultures. It explores how language is used for communication, identity formation, social organization, and power relations. The chapter also discusses the impact of colonialism and postcolonialism on African languages and language practices, and the ways in which African languages have been used to resist and challenge dominant ideologies and systems of power.

The fourth chapter focuses on the current trends in the study of African languages and language in Africa. It examines the role of language in the development of African economies, particularly in the context of globalization and the information age. The chapter also explores the impact of digitalization and human language technology on African languages and language practices, and the ways in which these technologies are being used to promote language learning, literacy, and cultural preservation.

The fifth chapter examines the applied dimensions of digitalization and human language technology in the study of African languages and language in Africa. It discusses the use of digital technologies such as computers, smartphones, and social media to promote language learning, literacy, and cultural preservation. The chapter also explores the challenges and opportunities that these technologies present for the study of African languages and language in Africa, and the ways in which they can be used to enhance the accessibility and usability of language resources.

The sixth chapter concludes the book by summarizing the key findings and recommendations of the study. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and documentation of African languages and language in Africa, as well as the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships between researchers, language communities, and policymakers.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of African languages and language in Africa since its inception as a colonial science. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the role and functions of language in shaping African societies. societies and cultures, and the challenges and opportunities that they face in the contemporary world. The book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and students of African languages, linguistics, cultural studies, and other related fields.

\n Weight: 1804g\n
Dimension: 250 x 163 x 43 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108417983\n \n