University of Leipzig on The Conversation

Learning in their mother tongue facilitates children’s ability to learn another language. Cecil Bo Dzwowa/Shutterstock/Editorial use only

April 28, 2019

Five ways indigenous languages can be championed for learners

H. Ekkehard Wolff, University of Leipzig

The International Year of Indigenous Languages serves as a good impetus to start implementing policies that prioritises Africa's own languages.

There’s no reason Africa shouldn’t be at the centre of global knowledge production. Shutterstock

February 21, 2018

Lessons from the Reformation could help spur Africa’s linguistic revolution

H. Ekkehard Wolff, University of Leipzig

Africa's current situation has a parallel in European history - the Reformation and the changes it wrought in terms of language exceptionalism.

Africa’s massive variety of languages should be celebrated and used in tertiary education. Shutterstock

February 7, 2018

How the continent’s languages can unlock the potential of young Africans

H. Ekkehard Wolff, University of Leipzig

Africa needs a new strategy for mother-tongue based bilingual education, from primary through to tertiary level.

Small conversation or oral groups help people to learn a new language. When classes get too big, it’s impossible to teach in this way. Shutterstock

October 1, 2015

Making an African language compulsory at university may do more harm than good

Stephanie Rudwick, University of Leipzig

It is important that all South Africans learn to speak an African language. But is making a single language a compulsory university subject the best way to make this happen?

University of Leipzig

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Five ways indigenous languages can be championed for learners

Lessons from the Reformation could help spur Africa’s linguistic revolution

How the continent’s languages can unlock the potential of young Africans

Making an African language compulsory at university may do more harm than good

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