Underdevelopment and African Literature: Emerging Forms of Reading

People looking for work in cities are increasingly turning to mobile phone platforms that sell texts at a fraction of the price of legally printed books, as the legal publishing industry campaigns to convince them to scorn pirates and plagiarists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The ubiquitous presence of English as the language of communication in cities has created a powerful incentive for people to engage in reading, surpassing the efforts of traditional publishers and development agencies over decades. The legal publishing industry actively campaigns to discourage the consumption of pirated and plagiarized works, advocating for the purchase of copyrighted and barcoded books that exude a sense of legitimacy. They collaborate with development industry officials to promote literacy, aiming to expand the legal book trade as a contributor to national economic well-being and regulate the reading habits of the newly literate. However, the demands of time-pressed and financially constrained audiences often lead them to resort to alternative sources of reading, often outside of formal economic systems. Consequently, mobile phone platforms have emerged as a popular option, offering affordable access to texts, challenging the traditional pricing structure of legally printed books.

The Power of English as a Lingua Franca in Cities:
English has become the dominant language in cities, serving as the common language for communication among people from diverse backgrounds. This linguistic dominance has created a strong incentive for individuals to acquire reading skills, as it enables them to access a wealth of information and engage with a wider range of opportunities.

The Urban Hustle and Mobile Phone as Effective Instigations to Reading:
The fast-paced urban environment and the prevalence of mobile phones have become powerful drivers of reading engagement. The convenience and accessibility of mobile devices have made reading a readily available pastime, particularly for individuals who are constantly on the go. The ease of accessing digital content, such as e-books, newspapers, and online magazines, has further contributed to the growth of reading habits among city dwellers.

The Legal Publishing Industry's Campaign against Piracy and Plagiarism:
In response to the growing demand for reading, the legal publishing industry has launched a campaign to discourage the consumption of pirated and plagiarized works. They advocate for the purchase of copyrighted and barcoded books, which they perceive as legitimate sources of information. The industry collaborates with development industry officials to promote literacy, aiming to expand the legal book trade as a contributor to national economic well-being.

Fostering Literacy and the Legal Book Trade:
The legal publishing industry recognizes the importance of fostering literacy to promote economic growth and social development. They work closely with development industry officials to implement programs that enhance reading skills and provide access to books. These initiatives often focus on providing education to marginalized communities, women, and children, who may have limited opportunities to acquire reading materials.

Challenges and Opportunities:
While the legal publishing industry's efforts to promote literacy and the legal book trade are commendable, there are challenges that they must address. One of the primary challenges is the affordability of books, particularly for low-income individuals and communities. The high cost of legal printed books can be a significant barrier to reading, leading many people to turn to alternative sources of reading, such as mobile phone platforms.

The Rise of Mobile Phone Platforms:
In response to the affordability concerns, mobile phone platforms have emerged as a popular option for reading. These platforms offer a wide range of books at a fraction of the price of legally printed books. They have also made reading more accessible to individuals who may not have access to traditional bookstores or libraries. Mobile phone platforms have also facilitated the creation of local and regional literature, as authors and publishers can easily publish and distribute their works through these platforms.

Conclusion:
The power of English as a lingua franca in cities, coupled with the urban hustle and the availability of mobile phones, has created a strong incentive for people to engage in reading. The legal publishing industry's campaigns to discourage piracy and plagiarism and promote literacy have been instrumental in expanding the legal book trade and fostering literacy. However, the affordability of books remains a challenge, and mobile phone platforms have emerged as a popular alternative for reading. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the publishing industry adapts to meet the changing needs of readers and ensure that everyone has access to quality reading materials.

Weight: 88g
Dimension: 128 x 178 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108713788