Book contents
- The Transformative Power of Language
- The Transformative Power of Language
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Preface
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Introduction
- Part I Mental Decolonisation and Cultural Diversity
- Part II Multilingualism and Intellectualisation of African Languages
- 4 Transformative Power of Language Policies in Higher Education
- 5 African Languages in Transformation
- 6 Linguistic Diversity in Higher Education
- 7 An Impact Study with Reference to isiXhosa and Afrikaans Multilingual Glossaries for First-Year Law of Contracts Students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- 8 The Need for Multicultural and Multilingual Sensitivity in Transforming Graphic Design Curriculum in a University of Technology
- 9 An Analysis of the Language Legislation Effects in the Banking Sector
- Part III Digitalisation and Democratisation of Knowledge
- Part IV Interlingual and Intercultural Cross-Fertilisation
- Index
- References
5 - African Languages in Transformation
Challenges and Opportunities for Zimbabwe and South Africa
from Part II - Multilingualism and Intellectualisation of African Languages
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 September 2020
Book contents
- The Transformative Power of Language
- The Transformative Power of Language
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Preface
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Introduction
- Part I Mental Decolonisation and Cultural Diversity
- Part II Multilingualism and Intellectualisation of African Languages
- 4 Transformative Power of Language Policies in Higher Education
- 5 African Languages in Transformation
- 6 Linguistic Diversity in Higher Education
- 7 An Impact Study with Reference to isiXhosa and Afrikaans Multilingual Glossaries for First-Year Law of Contracts Students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- 8 The Need for Multicultural and Multilingual Sensitivity in Transforming Graphic Design Curriculum in a University of Technology
- 9 An Analysis of the Language Legislation Effects in the Banking Sector
- Part III Digitalisation and Democratisation of Knowledge
- Part IV Interlingual and Intercultural Cross-Fertilisation
- Index
- References
Summary
In post-independent Africa, social transformation interweaves with other ideological goals such as African renaissance, decolonisation, indigenisation and black empowerment together with ideals for good governance, democracy, social and racial harmony, economic prosperity and political sovereignty, the goal of transformation. The postcolonial order is characterised by economic deterioration, political upheavals, poverty, dictatorship, civil strife, intra- and inter-territorial wars and tribal and racial distrust. These problems are increasing despite attempts to have them solved. Drawing from regional experiences, the chapter advances that using indigenous languages is among the best practices to ensure successful societal transformation. It examines the role that indigenous languages play in guaranteeing the participation of the masses, and in the development of indigenous languages to function in productive sectors of society. It argues that social transformation requires a comprehensive action programme to rid indigenous languages of technical challenges and recommends the use of digital language resources and human language technology among other necessary human, institutional and legal interventions.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Transformative Power of LanguageFrom Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa, pp. 109 - 124Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020
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