LING2064 Language in Africa

Prof. Kofi Yakpo

Advanced Course. Sem tbd, 6 credits

Venue: tbd

Course Description

Over 2000 languages belonging to six major language families are spoken in Africa, making it the linguistically most diverse continent. This course covers the linguistic diversity of Africa in its social and cultural context aiming at a multidimensional understanding of the role of language in society in general. The course includes the study of the linguistic structure and social functions of African lingua francas (Swahili, Lingala, West African Pidgin), covers language contact and language loss, colonial languages spoken in Africa (English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic), and the use of African languages and African writing systems in the media, education, and their role in nation-building.

Pre-requisite
LING1000

Assessment
100% coursework