The language factor in the media and information disseminating organisations as a means of achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Africa

Abstract

In discussing the prospects for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa, it is observed that the language factor in media and information disseminating organisations has not been accorded the same attention as matters like speed, volume and channels of communication. Media and information disseminating organisations play a critical role in educating the masses and creating awareness about the MDGs. Information and knowledge that could be useful in achieving the MDGs do not reach the minority language speakers through the media and information dissemination organisations, because minority languages are excluded. Documentary analysis of language policy documents which enshrine language broadcasting and information disseminating policies and observations of the prevailing practice reveal that minority languages are excluded and marginalised and where they are allocated space and air time, these are insignificant. The article concludes that unless the language factor in media and information dissemination is taken seriously, African countries are unlikely to achieve the MDGs, particularly among minority language speakers, who do not have access through the media and information dissemination organisations to critical information related to the MDGs in the languages they understand.