The History of African Linguistics

African linguistics is defined by a triple research focus: (1) African languages, (2) language in Africa, and (3) the applied dimension of linguistics in Africa. Four answers are given to the question Why to deal with the history of African linguistics? The origin of African linguistics lies in organizing language learning for practical purposes to the benefit of expatriates. The colonial legacy accounts for the disempowerment of indigenous languages and hegemonic dominance of foreign languages. The postcolonial challenge targets the intellectualization and re-empowerment of indigenous languages and faces the uphill battle for adequate multilingual policies and their implementation. The chapter discusses the relevance of African languages for development and traces its change from ‘extractive’ to ‘inclusive’ approaches and policies.