The Challenge of Language and Cultural Identity in Post-Colonial Africa’s National Economic Development

Abstract

Except for a few, most countries particularly African nations that transited from colonial rule to self-governance have imbibed and internalized the language and culture of the colonial overloads across the broad spectrum and tapestry of their social, political, and economic fabric to the neglect and detriment of their indigenous traditional way of life. It is a common sight in most post-colonial African countries who hinges or pattern their developmental goals (efforts) and way of life in similitude to that of their former colonizers; in terms of mannerism, dressing, demeanor, belief system; jettisoning everything indigenous, and even language. This has created a hybrid, and what we called ‘the engrafted’ cultures. This has created a kind of a dilemma (lacuna) for the Postcolonial leaders who are juxtaposed and hamstrung in-between traditional cultural norms and values, as well as linguistic forms (ties) of their forefathers vis-à-vis that of the previous colonial overlords. This paper is an attempt at exploring the challenges and dilemmas confronting many African nations in trying to forge (shape) a national consciousness and identity through language, culture in post-colonial African nations.

Keywords

• language
• culture
• identity
• post-colonial
• challenges
• dilemma
• development