Why do we feel the need to Africanize any language? We must recognize the following:
1. Africa has its own rich and diverse languages.
2. We are fully capable of learning English effectively when taught properly.
Affirmative action doesn't benefit us in the long run. Why is Africa the only place where English is often simplified or compromised to suit the people? Even in countries like Russia, which were never English colonies, individuals learn and master the language without altering its structure.
African graduates should make efforts to reverse this.
1. Language acquisition and language creation are not as “simple” as imitation, adoption, etc.
2. Creolization of languages (viz. the Caribbean region) historically, initially a necessary and gradual process, has resulted in rich and vibrant communication, literary, and other cultural systems. In fact, it seems that in many populations it has been having a reverse effect — through youth/popular culture and language!
Stephan Emeka Moel Adichie Judith Roback Every method has its pros and cons. If creolisation was intentional, were the long-term downsides also deliberate? Donald’s question suggests a belief that the negative effects on indigenous African populations were planned. I disagree, but if Africanisation made the coloniser’s task easier at the time, then its long-term effects—intellectual, social, and global economic—must be addressed in hindsight.
The Africanisation of English may not have resulted from an anti-European infiltration, such as by the Arabs, but its present-day impact can still be examined and addressed.
I address both Comments here:
As one with research experience in Guyana and a continued interest in the Caribbean and diaspora, including its literature and other “cultural products” I do not believe the creolization was “intentional” on the part of the colonizers, sugar, cotton, tobacco, coffee, cacao, indigo etc. etc. barons. Rather, the evolution of the many Englishes, Frenches etc. was a natural, gradual, historically “necessary” event. Pidginization and Creolization are not “slavish” Imitation, or some sort of conscious, deliberate, instrumental tool to curry favour. The result, as I said, is a creative, vibrant communication system, oral and written.
In the past 10+ years Guyana, and perhaps Jamaica, has seen a plea for recognizing that many Guyanese are either bilingual, or even monolingual Creole speakers, and thus for teaching the local Creole language in schools. At the very least, not to denigrate or be ashamed of Guyanese Creolese.
But these comments really should be addressed to Mr. Besong, not to either of you.
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