English in Africa: A Genocide for the Development of African Languages and Literatures

Abstract The aim of this paper is to discuss the idea that the more English rises in Africa, the more African languages and cultures die. Africans without their languages will be disconnected from their own histories and cultures. English as a foreign language is spoken by many people in Africa, mainly as a lingua franca, as a more practical alternative for both local and international communication. Others see English as a language that entrenches unequal power relations, that helps to enslave, colonize and continues to dominate and prevent millions of Africans from participating in the economic, social, political and educational development of their countries. As English becomes more dominant in Africa, other African languages become sidelined. Indigenous African languages are regarded as being less commercially viable in the publishing industry. Thus, English becomes a form of gatekeeper, depriving some people access to higher education and employment.