Alfabetizzazione e educazione linguistica in Africa. Tra precarietà e creatività linguistica

The paper aims at proposing a theoretical reflection on the concept of (il)literacy in Africa. The theoretical framework is based on the analysis of literacy related to educational linguistics according to De Mauro’s studies. Before analyzing the issue of (il)literacy in Africa, the contribution tackles the main sociolinguistic features of this continent. The illiteracy data illustrated in the paper are taken from UNESCO and United Nations sources. The analysis of concept and effects of (il)literacy in Africa is crucial to separately interpret cultural and linguistic deprivation. Actually, if on the one hand the contribution considers illiteracy as a barrier that prevents the achievement of many educational goals in Africa, on the other it prompts to create conditions so that linguistic precarity could become a means capable of leading to linguistic creativity. The idea is therefore to introduce an inclusive teaching oriented to creative and original language education models capable of valorizing all the semiotic resources of learners.