LEADERSHIP AND THE MISSING LINK IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN LANGUAGES

Abstract

Most African countries contain different linguistic and cultural groups. Unfortunately, few of our leaders welcome these languages and cultures, attempting to promote one or two languages deemed important for unity and economic growth. Others have their minds closed to the prospect of any African indigenous language cutting many children off from their culture and enforcing them to spend their time in school struggling to understand instead of building new knowledge. As language is the channel through which people’s cultures are transmitted, development on the other hand is based on communication through language. This paper discusses trends in the African continent and the objective is to explore the potential of African languages and literature as tools for socio-cultural and economic development, emphasizing the need for empowerment through linguistic recognition while addressing challenges rooted in colonial educational legacies. The essay does this by discussing the practicalities (factors that may be promoting or threatening) of African language and argues that the current efforts being made fall short of achieving the ultimate aim due to their inherent paradoxical nature. It posits that only by ensuring its use and development at all levels can the tragedy of the disappearance of African language, which ultimately means the impoverishment of humanity be prevented.