I am an African, I speak an African language: Cultural dimensions of African development and learning from others

Abstract

I am an African. I speak an African language. Ngingum-Afrika. Ngikhuluma izilimi zase-Afrika. (isiZulu) Ndingum-Afrika. Ndithetha ulwimi lwase-Afrika. (isiXhosa) Mimi ni mAfrika. Nazungumza lugha ya waAfrika. (Swahili) The sense of pride inherent in this statement belies the challenge that African languages face today. Multilingualism in African languages is not seen as a rich resource when confronted by the economic clout of English. A compromise is needed – one where the value of indigenous languages and that of English is recognised. A trained translator and interpreter is one such compromise, becoming the key link between African development and African achievement. For the non-English speaker, this link would enable understanding and, through it, knowledge and empowerment. With translation and interpretation, knowledge can come to every person at their level of understanding. This article argues that the training of the skilled translator and interpreter in an African language is the critical link in the development and achievement of the disadvantaged African person. Language now becomes a resource, affirming further that it is also language that provides pride in one's identity, hence … I am an African. I speak an African language.

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