From the Margins: Appreciating the African language renaissance as learners of African languages

Marten, Lutz

Abstract

In the 21st century, several positive trends have led to higher representation of African languages in public discourse, to an increase in positive attitudes and to more wide-spread awareness of the importance of African languages. Against the background of colonial legacies of strong marginalisation and devalorisation of African languages, these trends can be seen as an “African languages renaissance”, reconnecting with the historical richness of African languages and harnessing them as a powerful, positive resource for the future. Learners of African languages as second or other languages can be part of this development by harnessing their language skills and learning experience to engage with the linguistic dynamics on the continent and to appreciate this African language renaissance as outside supporters and contributors.

Citation

Marten, L. (2021). From the Margins: Appreciating the African language renaissance as learners of African languages. 非洲语言文化研究 = Feizhou yuyan wenhua yanjiu = African language and culture studies, 1, 41-62

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 26, 2021
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 30, 2022
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Pages: 41-62
• Keywords: Language policy; isiZulu; Otjiherero; African urban youth languages; African Englishes