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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:African Language Development and Language Planning
Author:Bamgbose, AyoISNI
Year:1999
Periodical:Social Dynamics
Volume:25
Issue:1
Period:Winter
Pages:13-30
Language:English
Geographic term:Subsaharan Africa
Subjects:language policy
multilingualism
African languages
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02533959908458659
Abstract:One phenomenon, which is true of practically all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is the subordinate status of African languages in relation to the imported European languages. Postindependence language policy has focused on the role of language in the integration process or as a symbol. Both trends have negated the multilingual reality of African States. One major problem with the current approach to language planning in Africa is that planning tends to be equated with policymaking alone. Implementation is not taken seriously, there is even an implementation avoidance strategy. The author argues that language planning is necessary to promote and develop African languages. Measures for making language planning a more effective instrument for the development of African languages must be addressed to all 'role-players and stakeholders'. The overarching position of governments in the African context makes it mandatory that the first port of call in any effort at persuasion must be policymakers in the government. That is why the proposals the author offers at the end are weighted heavily in favour of exhortation to governments and their agents. Bibliogr.
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