Language Imperialism and Decolonisation

Class Description:

This lecture addresses the politics of language use in African nations and societies. It highlights the role of power and economics in the choice of language. It discusses linguistic imperialism and language shift, and how they lead to language endangerment. The paper further discusses linguistic decolonization whereby societies resist linguistic domination and endangerment and embark on language maintenance. It touches on the methods employed in language decolonization, namely language revitalization, resistance, maintenance, documentation and preservation. Attention will be on lexicology, terminology, ICT and the role of the media, especially radio and TV. We argue that as a society tries to redeem itself from linguistic imperialism through decolonisation, certain stronger politico-economic factors push it back into linguistic imperialism. We will find out that some of the indigenous people themselves kick against language decolonisation. The paper hinges on the theoretical base of language endangerment. Examples are taken from African and Ghanaian languages with emphasis on Akan.

Key terms: Language shift, language endangerment, language resistance, maintenance, linguistic imperialism, language decolonization, language preservation and documentation.

Profile: Prof. Kofi Agyekum

Prof. Kofi Agyekum, popularly called Opanyin Agyekum, was born on March 21, 1954 to Op. Kwasi Agyekum and Madam Afia Ataa Boakyewaa. Both were farmers who did not have any formal western education. He started his formal education in 1960 at Kokofu-Edwinase Local Authority (L/A) Primary School and completed Middle School in 1969. When he completed the MSLC exams at the age of 15 years, he got an appointment as a Pupil Teacher at the Asisiriwa L/A Primary School in the Bosumtwi District. He was so short that he always stood on a chair to write on the upper part of the blackboard and was nicknamed, ‘Tikya Ketewa’, ‘Small Teacher’.

Prof Kofi Agyekum has been serving on Boards and Committees at the University: Faculty of Arts Board, Faculty of Arts Appointment Committee, Executive and Business Committee, University Appointment Board, School of Graduate Studies Board, Admissions Board, Academic Board, Radio Univers Board (Chairman), Presbyterian University Appointments Board, College Examination Officer, Course Advisor.

His contributions to the Akan language through radio are well known by many Ghanaians. Prof Kofi Agyekum pioneered interactive newspaper review in the Ghanaian language back in April 1997 with an Akan programme, Afisεm on Radio Univers Legon, which was later replicated by most radio stations. He is famous for his insights on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme. His bi-partisan stand on political issues has earned him admiration across the various political divides.

NB: Up to 100 Students