Membering the Rhodesian Linguistic Agenda in Zimbabwe

The Rhodesian Linguistic Agenda in Zimbabwe explores the impact of honoring the colonial linguistic agenda in Zimbabwe, using an interpretivist philosophy and qualitative research approach. It reveals that the former colonizer ensured coloniality by presenting the English language as a sacred media, and suggests that the only way for post-colonies to find redemption is by eradicating the sacredness of former colonizers' languages and adding value to all their languages and indigenous knowledge systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Membering the Rhodesian Linguistic Agenda in Zimbabwe

Reports on a study conducted in Zimbabwe to assess the extent and impact of upholding the colonial linguistic agenda. The book adopts an interpretivist philosophy and qualitative research approach, relying on participatory observations, purposively sampled informant interviews, and focus group discussions involving snowball sampled graduates. Drawing inspiration from the Critical Language Policy Theory, which emphasizes language choice as a crucial determinant in the administration of communities politically, economically, socioculturally, and educationally, the book establishes that while linguistic imperialism aimed to serve as the backbone of the Southern Rhodesian colonial machine, the former colonizer ensured coloniality in Zimbabwe by presenting the English language as a sacred medium in political, economic, sociocultural, and educational contexts forever. The study reveals that the only path for Zimbabwe and other post-colonies to find redemption is by eradicating the sanctity of former colonizers' languages by adding value to all their languages and the indigenous knowledge systems associated with them. It further demonstrates that the longer the delay, the greater the loss, along with the custodians of the languages.

This book offers valuable insights for undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in linguistics, communication, sociology, anthropology, and history. It can also serve as a valuable resource for government researchers, politicians, and other policymakers.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032283395