What is the place of African languages in knowledge production? [South African Journal of African Languages]

Bibliographic Data

ID4178958
AuthorsGibson Ncube (0000-0002-6351-6114, Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch , South Africa, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume2024
Issue289-290
Pages157-162
Publication date2024-09-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of the Sociology of Language (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0165-2516 • E-ISSN: 1613-3668
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1515/ijsl-2024-0033
OpenAlexW4404940546
LanguageEN
References cited6

Despite their vast potential, African languages are often marginalised in the knowledge production ecosystem. This article explores the multifaceted roles African languages could play not just in shaping and preserving indigenous knowledge systems and fostering cultural identities but also in being languages of science and communication of science. By examining the complex dynamics of the hierarchisation of languages within the knowledge production system, this article underscores the importance of decolonising knowledge production processes to amplify the vast untapped potential of African languages as languages of science and of knowledge production. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential of African languages as vehicles for innovation and inclusive development, advocating for concerted efforts to promote linguistic diversity and equity in scholarly discourse. The article contends that the underrepresentation of African languages has inadvertently necessitated more resources to be channelled towards increased publication in these languages

Economics · Geography · Knowledge management · Knowledge production · Languages of Africa · Linguistics · Sociology · Anthropology · Computer Science · Linguistic and Sociocultural Studies · Multilingual Education and Policy · Philosophy · Second Language Learning and Teaching

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