In Africa, over 2000 indigenous languages are spoken. Moreover, a number of extra-African languages have had great impact on the African sociolinguistic landscape, such as Arabic, Afrikaans, English, Fench and various other colonial languages. In this course, the focus will be on language as a socio-cultural phenomenon. It aims at providing an overview and deeper insight into the linguistic landscape of Africa, and in the role that language plays in African society. Subjects which will be developed are:
Micro sociolinguistics of Africa: Individual language profile
Macro sociolinguistics of Africa: The galaxies of languages
Speech and Language community, multilingualism, social motivations for code-switches and compartmentalization of language use
Language contact and communication patterns; network analyses
Language as a social construct
Language policies
Language rights
Language in education
Language development
Language in the mass media and communication
Language as a cultural heritage
Timetable
Tuesdays, 11-13h. Times and period can be changed depending on restrictions of those who are interested.
Method of Instruction
Seminar
Course objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide the students with a good insight into the many issues which are at stake when considering the cultural phenomenon called language in an African context.
Required reading
Will be announced in class.
Examination
Weekly presentations by students on the basis of literature.
Information
With Prof. Mous.