Understanding language and culture in the context of becoming a global citizen

A focus on African Languages

Abstract

While globalization seems to be the buzz word and an unavoidable ubiquitous phenomenon, it has mainly taken an economic face while other pillars of development lag behind. A distinct area is the social tolerance particularly language and culture. Cultural exchange programs have remained beneficial to satisfy tourist anxieties. The nagging question is, are world systems linked to accommodate citizens from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds? If so, why do we continue to promote certain languages at the expense of others? What needs to be done? Why should we promote indigenous languages? How best can it be done? This paper attempts to unravel the issue of sustainable globalization from the lenses of a language planner focusing on empowering African languages. In the discussion, it is argued that sustainable globalization should include soft issues of development like language planning because language is the soul of any community.