Language, culture, and development : a case of African languages in South African universities

Abstract

This paper highlighted the importance of language in education and its role in development. It drew on data from the author's thesis to examine a South African higher education institution that integrated an African language alongside English for teaching and learning. Despite African languages’ potential to offer solutions to development challenges, they have often been overlooked. Scholars such as Bamgbose (2014), Batibo (2005), and Bodomo (1996) have advocated the empowerment of African languages in all domains, arguing that language and development are closely linked. This paper argued that development should not be measured solely in economic terms, but should also encompass socio-cultural aspects. It adopted the African Renaissance as a conceptual framework, emphasising the socio-cultural aspect of development in which language plays a central role. Methodologically, the study employed qualitative case analysis to explore the integration of African languages in higher education. The paper concluded by recommending greater consideration of African languages in all aspects of African life, including regional and continental organisations, as linguistic impediments hinder meaningful development.