Rethinking Babylon:The Language Dilemma and the Search for Social Justice in Africa

Abstract

The language debates in South Africa have been contentious on a number of platforms. Various critics are questioning the role of the languages in enhancing certain values in society as the marginalization of indigenous languages continues and others have called for emphasis of indigenous languages to underscore epistemic freedom. However, whilst it is crucial to strive for deprovincialization of Europe the imposition of which has led to linguisticides, decolonization is not about recolonization of historically advantaged languages such as French, English and Portuguese. Over the years scholars have presented strong arguments on issues of language. Eskia Mphahlele contended that it is mischievous for black Africans to use English less, because it is a language that emancipates and has created strong nationalisms especially in places such as East Africa. However, Ngugi wa ‘Thiongo emphasizes indigenous languages as languages that would redeem Africans from the throes of colonialism.

This presentation argues for the positioning of all South Africa’s official languages on an equitable level as they exemplify ecologies of knowledge undergirded by social justice on a planetary level. Multilingualism and bilingualism will build better citizens intent on helping in the building of nationhood and diversity of a truly decolonized nation.

Key words:

• decolonization
• indigenous languages in South Africa
• multilingualism
• Ubuntu of languages