Revisting the language question in post- colonial Africa: the case of portuguese and indigenous languages in Mozambique

Abstract

Using the case of Mozambique, the dissertation focuses on the “language question” in post-colonial Africa and elaborates on the relationship between linguistic diversity and the process of nation-state formation. It examines the coexistence of ex-colonial languages. It examines the coexistence of ex-colonial languages with indigenous languages and considers views that contrast the former with latter in terms of legitimacy, endogenization, and usefulness in African countries. The study argues that the assumption that ex-colonial languages are exogenous in African settings cannot be taken for granted. Moreover, it also posits that the assumption that a shift to African languages can overcome the problems associated with ex-colonial languages cannot be taken as a given. The dissertation takes an eclectic approach which combines data on language distribution and functions with a focus on discursive and ideological practices. It investigates the following issues: (1) the roles and social functions associated with ex-colonial and indigenous languages ; (2) the linguistic and social processes through which ex-colonial languages have maintained and/or deepened their institutionalization; (3) the extent to which ex-colonial languages can be seen as exogenous to African settings; (4) the extent and processes through which indigenous languages have been “minorized” and (5) the coexistence of indigenous languages with colonial languages and their relationship to nation-statehood. The study examines the dynamics functioning of linguistic diversity in Mozambique in order to determine what people do with the linguistic resources at their disposal. It addresses the following questions: a) What is the linguistic situation in Mozambique? b) What are the roles and status of Portuguese and indigenous languages? c) How do official and public discourses present the language situation? d) What kind of language policy is pursued in the Country? e) To what extent has the language policy adjusted to social realities and what kind of readjustments are viable? The findings demonstrate that Mozambican society has undergone specific political and socio-economic transformations, in which both Portuguese and indigenous languages are embedded. These languages have taken on roles associated with social activities and social relations unique to contemporary Mozambique. In particular, the findings indicate that indigenous languages, as well as Portuguese, have transcended their traditional roles to adapt to the contemporary social conditions in which they are used. Indigenous languages, while still indexing ethnic and /or regional identities, have also acquired the capacity to invoke national realities. Moreover, the symbolic meaning of Portuguese has been redefined. In either official or public discourse, it has largely lost its colonial connotations. In fact, Portuguese is ideologically constructed as a national link language, at the same time that it is developing new discursive patterns. Ultimately, the dissertation argues that these new sociolinguistic trends need to be taken into account in any attempt to introduce improvements in the current language policy of Mozambique. The argument made about the role of Portuguese is also important Africa in general.