African Indigenous Languages in Higher Education

AbstractThe paper uses secondary sources to interrogate the role of African indigenous languages in higher education transformation. Multilingualism in African higher education is seen as critical in promoting African scholarship and Africa-led globalization. Kiswahili and isiZulu are used as case studies. African universities such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) have incorporated the promotion of these languages in their strategic policy frameworks. The sustainability of these language programmes in higher education and Africa-led globalization requires the building of a critical mass of young experts grounded and committed to the promotion of these languages; the coordination and cooperation of stakeholders to avoid duplication of efforts. This can be done through joint projects, fellowships, scholarships, external examination, conferences and electronic interaction.