Pan-African Forums - The Question of Language (23 Feb 2021)

[@Francisqolito]

I really enjoyed this discussion, myself being invested in this space of promotion of indigenous languages(gĩkũyũ and Swahili). I was convicted by the works of Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o about the primacy of language in the complex problem of EMPOWERMENT OF THE PEOPLE. The major challenge I encounter in my few contributions (to Gĩkũyũ Wikipedia).. is scarcity of native vocab (I beleive Mwalimu Wangũi wa Goro has also touched on low volume of corpus in indigenous languages) ... Ngũgĩ's proposal of creation of prestigious literature awards for afro-phone languages should be prioritized in missions intended to grow our languages. With that being said, I think I am the only Youth that is skeptical about the role of sheng in any real reform on the marginalization that leads to disempowerment in the continent. It is more about swagger and vanity fair ...I don't see how it power can go beyond the realm of entertainment.