Indigenous Language Media, Language Politics and Democracy in Africa

This book deals with the often-neglected link between indigenous languages, the media and democracy in Africa. It explores the politics associated with the use or lack of use of indigenous languages in Africa. Language enables both political and cultural expression as well as identity formation. The book recognizes that indeed the media play a key amplifying or 'publicizing' role without which modern-day expression, public participation and ultimately democracy would be inconceivable. It recognises that the majority of African nations today have, at the formal level, opened up to a multiplicity of media channels and to a variety of political views. However, whether this plurality equals diversity in different African contexts remains a matter for more specific scrutiny. Mirroring the argument of the Goldsmith Media Group, the authors argue that one must make a distinction between access that enables consumption as opposed to access that enables plurality and diversity.

Abiodun Salawu is Professor in the Department of Communication, North-West University, South Africa. He has published widely on the subject of African language media. He edited the seminal book Indigenous Language Media in Africa (2006).

Monica B. Chibita is Associate Professor; Head of Department of Mass Communication at the Uganda Christian University, Uganda and member of the editorial team of the Journal of African Media Studies (JAMS). She sits on the boards of refereed journals including Ecquid Novi: African Journalism Studies and Communicatio. Her current research interests are in the areas of media and democracy; broadcast media regulation; indigenous language media and media curriculum and training.