In this compelling reflection, linguist and Director of Twaweza Communications, Prof Kimani Njogu, explores the centrality of language in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s political and literary work. He explains why Ngũgĩ turned to African languages to reach people across the continent, arguing that language is not just a tool of communication but a force for liberation, knowledge and production.
Prof Njogu discusses the lack of political will to support African languages, the failure to encourage cross-continental linguistic exchange, and the disregard for youth-created urban dialects like Sheng. He calls for a cultural shift: to celebrate multilingualism, invest in translation and reconnect generations through African languages.
This is a powerful tribute to Ngũgĩ’s vision and a vital call to reimagine Africa’s linguistic future.
