The Struggle for Linguistic Identity in Post-Colonial Africa w/Salikoko Mufwene

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What if your native language was sidelined in favour of a foreign one in your own homeland? In a discussion with Salikoko Mufwene, a distinguished linguist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, we navigate the intricate web of language, culture, and colonisation in Africa. Our conversation embarks from the rich and diverse pre-colonial African civilisations, highlighting the seismic shifts brought on by the arrival of Arabs and Europeans. Mufwene offers deep insights into the origins and roles of African languages, exploring how they have historically served as bridges between ethnic groups and how language contact has shaped cultural interactions.
Transitioning to the present, we scrutinise the remnants of colonialism in African education systems. We dissect the prioritisation of European languages like Portuguese, English, and French in schools and governments and examine the resultant conflict with African cultural identities. This underscores the urgent need to prioritise indigenous languages to achieve true cultural and intellectual independence, questioning whether the current educational system truly serves Africa's future or perpetuates a European worldview.
Finally, we confront the enduring power dynamics and exclusionary practices maintained through language in post-colonial African societies. Mufwene shares poignant anecdotes and critiques that illuminate the marginalisation of indigenous languages and the cultural impact of colonial legacies.
Host:
Fungai Mutsiwa
Guest:
Salikoko Mufwene
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Chapters

1. Language, Culture, and Colonization (00:00:00)

2. Language, Education, and Cultural Identity (00:21:11)

3. Power, Language, and Colonization (00:36:54)

4. Colonial Legacy and Cultural Identity (00:52:35)