The Palgrave Handbook of Language Policies in Africa

Book excerpt: This handbook explores language policies and their impacts in Africa, examining the different language policies in each country from pre-colonial to post-colonial times. Most African countries are multilingual, apart from a handful which are said to be quasi-monolingual. The authors in this handbook investigate language policy in education, media, legal courts, government documents and other public domains, and show how these policies shape learning and delivery of services to the citizens. The volume also pays special attention to the roles assigned to minority languages in Africa, most of which are endangered. The contributions also investigate how these language policies are influenced by the history of colonialism and language attitudes emanating from colonial rule. This handbook will be of interest to a diverse audience of readers, including those interested in African languages, language planning and policy, and African history and education.