Transformative Power of Language (eBook)

From Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa

Russell H. Kaschula, H. Ekkehard Wolff (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: PDF

2020
Cambridge University Press (Verlag)
978-1-108-59891-0 (ISBN)

Infos

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.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 10.9.2020
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Sprach- / Literaturwissenschaft ► Sprachwissenschaft
• ISBN-10: 1-108-59891-9 / 1108598919
• ISBN-13: 978-1-108-59891-0 / 9781108598910