Harnessing our linguistic heritage for development
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Date
2007
Authors
Momanyi, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Culture can be defined as the total way of life of a given community. It encompasses
the economic, political, historical, linguistic, and psychological dimensions of worldcommunities.
This being the case, development cannot be measured purely on economic
terms. As a concept, development must reflect all areas of human activity (Prah 1993:18).
Hence, it not only manifests itself in the economy of any given society but in all other aspects
of human existence. Language being the key instrument of communication is the principal
means of bringing about development. On the other hand, any exotic technology that has to
be used in a given community will not be meaningful if it is couched in foreign languages.
The initiators of such technology must take into consideration the indigenous knowledge
structures for it to be readily accepted by the localpeople. Thispaper expounds the view that
there is no country that can claim to develop by embracing foreign languages, ideologies,
or culture. It elucidates the fact that national developments should not be restricted to
economic and technological advancement, but that other parameters like language and
culture have to be considered. The paper lucidly discusses Afri.ca's linguistic heritage and
the quest for development. It inextricably brings out the relationship between the linguistic
and cultural base of communities, and the development of modern technology in Africa.
Finally, the paper recommends steps that can be taken to incorporate African languages
in the mainstream development of the continent, and avenues that can be used to preserve
African linguistic heritage.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
Chemchemi Vol 4: No 2. 2007