The Transformative Power of Language: From Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa

Language has played a crucial role in societal transformation in postcolonial Africa, and this volume explores how it has contributed to mental decolonization. It demonstrates that multilingualism is a resource for successful transformation and highlights the importance of intellectualization and institutionalization of African languages in development discourse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 394 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Language has played a crucial role in the societal transformation of postcolonial Africa towards the establishment of globally competitive knowledge societies. However, this role has been largely overlooked and underestimated in academic research. This volume aims to bridge this gap by assembling a team of renowned scholars from around the world to explore the impact of language on African postcolonial societies and its contribution to mental decolonization. The book examines a diverse range of languages, including imported (ex-colonial) languages and indigenous African languages, and conducts case studies from various spheres of public discourse, such as universities and legal settings. Through its analysis, the book demonstrates that multilingualism is a valuable resource rather than a hindrance to successful transformation. It highlights the intellectualization and institutionalization of African languages as key elements in the development discourse and provides a insightful snapshot of how current academic research, public discourse, political activism, and social community engagement have contributed to societal transformation in South Africa.

Language has played a crucial role in the societal transformation of postcolonial Africa towards the establishment of globally competitive knowledge societies. However, this role has been largely overlooked and underestimated in academic research. This volume aims to bridge this gap by assembling a team of renowned scholars from around the world to explore the impact of language on African postcolonial societies and its contribution to mental decolonization. The book examines a diverse range of languages, including imported (ex-colonial) languages and indigenous African languages, and conducts case studies from various spheres of public discourse, such as universities and legal settings. Through its analysis, the book demonstrates that multilingualism is a valuable resource rather than a hindrance to successful transformation. It highlights the intellectualization and institutionalization of African languages as key elements in the development discourse and provides a insightful snapshot of how current academic research, public discourse, political activism, and social community engagement have contributed to societal transformation in South Africa.

ISBN-13: 9781108712774