Working with discouraged languages: A broad approach to literacy challenges in Af rica
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Date
2015-04
Authors
Muthwii, Margaret Jepkirui
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PAC University
Abstract
Research shows that the upheavals facing literacy and language use in Africa have been widespread in almost every nation. his is particularly so for those nations that historically experienced the use of an international language in this political and educational systems. Bible work in Africa goes on within this context. The success of this work demands that literacy issues must be looked at partly from the perspective of language learning and use since the school is, for the majority of people, the only place where literacy is acquired. Preference to use an international language as the language of instruction has not necessarily enabled most learners to achieve useful levels of literacy. Indigenous languages continue to face serious onslaughts from several quarters to such an extent that cohorts of school leavers cannot read or write in the language they love to speak and listen to. What must be done to facilitate the discouraged languages and language learners in Africa? Specific suggestions are given on the kinds of knowledge and effort relevant to literacy work that needs to be embraced for effectiveness in the communities served by Bible societies. A case is put forward for improved strategies - specific strategies that address, for example, standardization of orthography, quality translations sensitive to the oral nature of most communities, awareness of community rights and practices in the so called ‘bilingual classrooms’, and facilitation in the provision of literature for literacy work.
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Keywords
Languages, Literacy challenges, Africa, Literacy
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