Palgrave Macmillan
This book deals with the often-neglected link between indigenous languages, the media and democracy in Africa. It explores the politics associated with the use or lack of use of indigenous languages in Africa. Language enables both political and cultural expression as well as identity formation. The book recognizes that indeed the media play a key amplifying or 'publicizing' role without which modern-day expression, public participation and ultimately democracy would be inconceivable. It recognises that the majority of African nations today have, at the formal level, opened up to a multiplicity of media channels and to a variety of political views. However, whether this plurality equals diversity in different African contexts remains a matter for more specific scrutiny. Mirroring the argument of the Goldsmith Media Group, the authors argue that one must make a distinction between access that enables consumption as opposed to access that enables plurality and diversity.
