Transforming education with African languages

WHY are African languages still so rarely used as languages of instruction in our schools anduniversities? Why do we not see more academic research being published in these languages?

- DR GIBSON NCUBE

Despite the fact that Africa is home to more than 2000 rich and vibrant languages each offering its own way of seeing and understanding the worldwe continue to depend heavily on colonial languages like English, French and Portuguese.

What does this say about the value that we place on our own linguistic and intellectual heritage? As we celebrate Africa Day on May 25, it is a fitting time to reflect on the role African languages play in our lives today. For far too long, African languages have been pushed to the margins. They have been excluded from key spaces such as research, education and policymaking, where they should in fact be thriving.

Often, these languages are only seen as suitable for storytelling or everyday communication. It is often considered unfathomable that these languages could be used in science, in law, or in education from primary school to university level. This mindset - a relic from colonial timeshas been holding back the growth and intellectualisation of African languages. The reality though, is that African languages can do much more than simply preserve culture and identity. They have carried wisdom, ethics, and worldviews that have shaped African societies for many generations.

From traditional medicine to sustainable farming, from oral philosophy to community leadership, these languages are rich with knowledge we should be tapping into.

Leading the way