Anth 4 / Waters

AL provides the foundations for the investigation

and solution of language-related problems
(Hudson, 1999)
Examples:
- language education and literacy
- problems of translation and interpretation
- language and economic development
- establishing an official or national language
The most common form of AL is language
planning (policies, plans or changes used to
improve communication)
Two main reasons:
1) increased numbers of displaced persons around
the world due to war and persecution
2) the flawed cultural maps
drawn during European
colonization (and new
multiethnic states
that emerged
after WWII)
 During colonialism, European languages often became
the official ones (used for admin. and education)
Many countries continue using languages of colonizers
(e.g. French, English) in addition to African languages
Multilingualism reflects tribal, national and colonial
affiliations (and has been a source of tension and
conflict)
Swahili is one of the few African languages that has
the status of being an official language
Few countries even recognize a single African
language as having majority status (partly due to
arbitrary territorial boundaries imposed by colonists)
 Over 60 languages spoken (English has been the official
language since British rule)
Although spoken by few Kenyans, Swahili became the
national language in 1974 (used for business &
education)
The president deliberately did not select Kikuyu (to avoid
ethnic conflict), nor English (a symbol of oppression )
Some thought Swahili would become the only official
language, however it:
- shares this status with English
- is viewed by some as having low status
- may soon become optional language in primary school
- is being threatened by Sheng according to some
 Increased economic development often leads to
decreased linguistic diversity

Does this hurt communities, or

does it provide people with more opportunities?

Some argue use of local languages is critical in

areas with high rates of: childhood malnutrition,
maternal morbidity & mortality and infectious
disease transmission
Anthropologists warn against using a one-size-fits-
all approach to development and language
planning, and stress the importance of cultural fit