This book, "Languages in Africa: Multilingualism, Language Policy, and Education," published by Georgetown University Press on March 3, 2015, delves into the complex linguistic landscape of the African continent. Edited by Elizabeth C. Zsiga, One Tlale Boyer, and Ruth Kramer, this work explores critical themes such as multilingualism in the classroom, language policy, and the devaluation of indigenous languages. It examines the impact of colonialism on language, the role of linguists in policy change, and the effectiveness of mother tongue education, drawing on case studies across Africa to illuminate these issues. The book also touches upon linguistic creativity in multilingual communities and the challenges in teacher training.
This comprehensive resource is designed to provide in-depth analysis and understanding of African multilingualism and its intersection with education and policy. It covers key themes including the devaluation of indigenous languages, the impact of colonialism, and the role of linguists in advocating for policy change. The book also explores the concept of language circles, examining concentric circles of language use from mother tongue to international languages, and discusses the application of linguistic principles within domains such as music, film, and politics. Its detailed case studies offer valuable insights for researchers, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the linguistic diversity and development of Africa.
<P>People in many African communities live within a series of concentric circles when it comes to language. In a small group, a speaker uses an often unwritten and endangered mother tongue that is rarely used in school. A national indigenous language—written, widespread, sometimes used in school—surrounds it. An international language like French or English, a vestige of colonialism, carries prestige, is used in higher education, and promises mobility—and yet it will not be well known by its users.</P><P>The essays in Languages in Africa explore the layers of African multilingualism as they affect language policy and education. Through case studies ranging across the continent, the contributors consider multilingualism in the classroom as well as in domains ranging from music and film to politics and figurative language. The contributors report on the widespread devaluing and even death of indigenous languages. They also investigate how poor teacher training leads to language-related failures in education. At the same time, they demonstrate that education in a mother tongue can work, linguists can use their expertise to provoke changes in language policies, and linguistic creativity thrives in these multilingual communities.</P>
Editor: Zsiga, Elizabeth C.
Editor: Boyer, One Tlale
Editor: Kramer, Ruth
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Illustration: N
Language: ENG
Title: Languages in Africa: Multilingualism, Language Policy, and Education
Pages: 00160 (Encrypted EPUB) / 00160 (Encrypted PDF)
On Sale: 2015-03-03
SKU-13/ISBN: 9781626161528
Category: Language Arts & Disciplines : Linguistics - General
<P>People in many African communities live within a series of concentric circles when it comes to language. In a small group, a speaker uses an often unwritten and endangered mother tongue that is rarely used in school. A national indigenous language—written, widespread, sometimes used in school—surrounds it. An international language like French or English, a vestige of colonialism, carries prestige, is used in higher education, and promises mobility—and yet it will not be well known by its users.</P><P>The essays in Languages in Africa explore the layers of African multilingualism as they affect language policy and education. Through case studies ranging across the continent, the contributors consider multilingualism in the classroom as well as in domains ranging from music and film to politics and figurative language. The contributors report on the widespread devaluing and even death of indigenous languages. They also investigate how poor teacher training leads to language-related failures in education. At the same time, they demonstrate that education in a mother tongue can work, linguists can use their expertise to provoke changes in language policies, and linguistic creativity thrives in these multilingual communities.</P>
Editor: Zsiga, Elizabeth C.
Editor: Boyer, One Tlale
Editor: Kramer, Ruth
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Illustration: N
Language: ENG
Title: Languages in Africa: Multilingualism, Language Policy, and Education
Pages: 00160 (Encrypted EPUB) / 00160 (Encrypted PDF)
On Sale: 2015-03-03
SKU-13/ISBN: 9781626161528
Category: Language Arts & Disciplines : Linguistics - General
