The Transformative Power of Language - From Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa (Hardcover)

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.

General

Imprint:	Cambridge UniversityPress
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	September 2020
Editors:	Russell H. Kaschula • H. Ekkehard Wolff
Dimensions:	235 x 160 x 30mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	320
ISBN-13:	978-1-108-49882-1
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Language & linguistics > Sociolinguistics
LSN:	1-108-49882-5
Barcode:	9781108498821

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