The Transformative Power of Language
From Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
The Transformative Power of Language
From Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa
About this book
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.
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Half-title page
- Title page
- Copyright page
- Contents
- List of Figures
- List of Tables
- List of Contributors
- Preface
- List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Introduction: Transformative Power and Resourcefulness of African Languages in the Information and Knowledge Age
- Part I Mental Decolonisation and Cultural Diversity
- Part II Multilingualism and Intellectualisation of African Languages
- Part III Digitalisation and Democratisation of Knowledge
- Part IV Interlingual and Intercultural Cross-Fertilisation
- Index