SPEAKING AFRICAN

The National Language Service (NLS) hosted two separate consultative conferences, during February 2009 and September 2009 respectively to deliberate on the development and promotion of literature in the official African languages.

Language practitioners, specialists linked to the literary industry (including writers, educators, publishers and media practitioners) as well as related governmental departments gathered to examine language issues and position the role of African languages and literature nationally and globally. Topics such as publishing conditions, translation as a worldwide strategy to develop literature, the role of mass media as well as literacy and readership issues were covered. Delegates formulated strategies around the promotion of African languages in education, economic development, communication and dissemination of information.

These deliberations were elaborated on during the succeeding conference, held on the 14th of September 2011. Stakeholders were introduced to the approved strategy for developing indigenous literature through translation. Although literacy, readership, publishing and consumer issues present some challenges, we are confident that the implementation of these strategies will yield positive results for all African languages.