Is the Linguistic Situation in Africa Relatively Stable?

Abstract

The article explores the complex linguistic landscape of several African nations, focusing on the coexistence of indigenous languages and European languages in official contexts. Despite the rich linguistic diversity in Africa, where approximately 2,000 languages are spoken, only a few have official status, often alongside European languages. The study analyzes five regions: Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Central African Republic and South Africa, with an additional mention of Tanzania. Each region’s language policies, the role of indigenous languages in education and governance, and the socio-economic factors influencing language use are examined. The findings reveal a trend of diminishing use of indigenous languages in favor of European languages, driven by socio-economic factors and historical contexts.