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World Banks Wants More African Languages Online

World Banks Wants More African Languages Online

18/07/2014

The internet presence of vernacular languages, for example those spoken on the African continent, is quite small. According to some, this is the reason why many local languages are on the verge of extinction. Others claim, however, that ICT can be used to preserve local languages and improve language learning. As you might know, many…

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An Interview with Yoruba Linguist, Kola Tubosun

An Interview with Yoruba Linguist, Kola Tubosun

10/07/2014

In the first of our upcoming series of interviews with linguists and professionals working in or with Africa, we are delighted to bring you our interview with Nigerian writer and linguist, Kola Tubson. Kola, perhaps could you start off by explaining what you do as a profession? I am a writer and linguist. I currently…

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Educational App in South Africa targets Afrikaans Speakers

Educational App in South Africa targets Afrikaans Speakers

09/07/2014

Most students are not too keen on learning subjects such as maths or sciences. However, a South African company has found a way to make these subjects a lot more interesting! Admire Moyo recently shard a piece of interesting information in his article on IT Web! He revealed that the South African company Rethink Education…

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Gmail adds two more African Languages

Gmail adds two more African Languages

08/07/2014

To get an idea of which languages are important online, one only has to look to the likes of Facebook and Google. The languages they translate and localize their platforms into usually point to that language’s potential. So, interestingly Google has today announced that they are launching their Gmail email service platform into two of…

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African Storybook Project Using Translations to Help Improve Literacy

African Storybook Project Using Translations to Help Improve Literacy

08/07/2014

It is often said that children’s literacy is greatly helped when parents or teachers read them stories. However, African teachers and parents often don’t have access to picture books in their own languages, which means the literacy of African children is not that great. However, with the launch of a new project on African picture…

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Should everyone in South Africa speak an African Language?

Should everyone in South Africa speak an African Language?

07/07/2014

Recently, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters Party in South Africa stated that all white South Africans should learn an African language to create more unity in the country. Website AllAfrica asked five South African youths about their opinion on the matter. In the middle of June, Julius Malema made his first appearance in…

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Language Transition Problems for Tanzianian School Children

Language Transition Problems for Tanzianian School Children

01/07/2014

Children in Tanzania are usually taught in their native Kiswahili language in primary education; their secondary education, however, is usually in the English language. As many children lack a thorough understanding of this foreign language, Tanzanian stakeholders are calling for a review of this policy. When they make the transition from primary to secondary education,…

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The Russian Language and the African Continent

The Russian Language and the African Continent

30/06/2014

When people in Africa get the chance to learn a foreign language, most students on the continent opt for a language such as English, French or even Chinese to increase their prospects on the job market. The Russian language, however, is often ignored as the Russian ties with Africa are not that strong. The development…

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Street Shona – Language Evolution in Zimbabwe

Street Shona – Language Evolution in Zimbabwe

24/06/2014

With few exceptions, languages are always evolving: new technologies or influences from other languages lead to new words and phrases. In Zimbabwe, it is the street life in the big cities that is currently transforming the Shona language. The Shona language is spoken by 80 per cent of all Zimbabweans. However, according to Hilary Siyachitema,…

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New Online Encyclopaedia to Preserve African Culture

New Online Encyclopaedia to Preserve African Culture

23/06/2014

In many African countries, youths are abandoning their native villages and moving to the city. In this process, many African traditions are slowly being forgotten, which means entire cultures are in danger of becoming extinct. Thankfully, a new online project has been created to put this development to a halt. Smack in the forests of…

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