Question

Explain the degree to which globalization can explain the loss of indigenous languages in africa since the 1970s.

Answer 1

Globalization since the 1970s has contributed to the loss of indigenous languages in Africa through increased use of globally dominant languages, economic incentives, and education systems favoring global languages. The spread of a global culture and corporate colonialism has further eroded linguistic diversity, despite efforts by some communities to preserve their cultural identities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Globalization has significantly influenced the loss of indigenous languages in Africa since the 1970s. The pervasive spread of global processes of production, trade, and communication has increased interactions among populations, leading to the abandonment of local languages in favor of more globally dominant languages. As urbanization and economic opportunities are often tied to the use of global languages such as English and French, indigenous African languages have come under threat. The need for communication in a global culture, enhanced by advancements in technology and mobility, has also contributed to a tilt towards unifying languages at the expense of local ones.

In Africa, the shift towards global integration post-colonial rule meant that languages associated with development, power, and international communication became more desirable. This fundamental change was further emphasized by the adoption of educational systems that prioritize global languages, thereby reducing the transmission of indigenous languages to younger generations. Additionally, the promotion of a monocultural consumerist lifestyle through corporate colonialism has overshadowed traditional ways of life, including language use.

While some African artists and communities strive to maintain their cultural identity—and by extension, their languages—by infusing traditional elements with contemporary influences, the overall trend has been towards the diminution of linguistic diversity. The pressures of globalization and its influence on language choices have led experts to estimate that up to half of the world's living languages might be lost by the end of the 21st century.

Answer 2

There is less use or less need for indigenous languages due to one of the following processes:
• Media, Internet, consumer goods, trade, and higher education encourage indigenous peoples to learn, accept, or adapt to the global economy or globalized culture.
• Foreign investment in infrastructure (e.g., cellular phone networks, railways, highways, and ports) places indigenous peoples in contact with the global economy or globalized culture.