Urbanization, Youth Languages and Technological Innovations in Africa

Africa is home to about a third of languages spoken in the world. However, a majority of those languages do not have sufficient speakers or institutional support to make them viable in a globalized world. Development of most indigenous African languages has been hampered by past and present state language policies, which have failed to accord them official status within key institutions of governance, commerce and education. Globalization trends and the outright preference for former colonial languages have also contributed to limiting the growth and development of African languages, especially in urban areas.

Thus although African languages dominate informal domains such as petty trading, religion and social interaction in both rural and urban settings, large cities have witnessed the emergence of youth argots and slang that in some instances have evolved into new languages, albeit highly fluid. These include Nouchi in Abidjan), Camfranglais in Yaoundé, Is’camtho and Tsotsitaal in Soweto, and Sheng and Engsh in Nairobi. These varieties involve a high degree of code switching and code mixing. They also tend to be fluid, changing rapidly with tastes in music, clothing and social media. 

This Conference will explore the nature of these languages and varieties in Africa as well as their impact in political, economic, and socio-cultural domains. Do new language varieties aid or threaten other languages? What is the role of technology in the emergence, spread, and use of the new language varieties? What is the position of educators and language purists regarding emerging varieties? What is their effect on the youth and on commercial interests? How are the youth positioning themselves for future roles in society using these varieties?

Conference events will take place between October 6 and 7, 2016. Events will be held in both Luce Hall, located at 34 Hillhouse Avenue, and 204 Prospect Street.