The role of the web in the promotion of African languages

Maseko, Pamela; Nosilela, Bulelwa B; Sam, Msindisi; Terzoli, Alfredo; Dalvit, Lorenzo

Title: The role of the web in the promotion of African languages
Creator: Maseko, Pamela, Nosilela, Bulelwa B, Sam, Msindisi, Terzoli, Alfredo, Dalvit, Lorenzo
Subject: To be catalogued
Date: 2010
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431370
Identifier: vital:72768
Description: In this article we explore the possible contribution of the Web in promot-ing the use and status of African languages. Participation in sharing and producing knowledge through the Web can play a key role in the eco-nomic, social and educational development of Africa. While physical ac-cess to information is hampered by lack of infrastructure and connectivi-ty, epistemological access is hampered by the use of English. Re-sources in African languages are available. Until the amount of Web content and the number of users reach critical mass, these resources play a symbolic rather than an instrumental role in promoting African lan-guages. The use of electronic resources available on the Web could contribute to cutting the printing and transport cost of paper material, es-pecially in multilingual settings where many languages would have to be represented. Another practical way in which the Web can promote the development of African languages is to promote communication among their speakers. This is already showing its potential by allowing experts from various disciplines to work collaboratively on the development of new indigenous terminology through mailing lists and chat rooms. On a larger scale, the Web can play a unifying function among speakers of different varieties of the same African language.
Format: 15 pages, pdf
Language: English
Relation: Alternation, Maseko, P., Nosilela, B., Sam, M., Terzoli, A. and Dalvit, L., 2010. The role of the web in the promotion of African languages. Alternation, 17(1), pp.312-327, Alternation volume 17 number 1 312 327 2010 2519-5476
Rights: Publisher
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press Statement (http://ukznpress.bookslive.co.za/about/)

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