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On the Interface of Philosophy and Language in Africa: Some Practical and Theoretical Considerations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2014

Bongasu Tanla Kishani
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Abstract:

The relation between philosophy and language in Africa seems to favor the languages of written expression to the detriment of the languages of “oraural” expression. Concretely, this has meant not only the exclusive use of Arabic and European languages in the philosophies in Africa, but also the assumption that philosophy is only possible in, with, and through written languages. This article argues that change is long overdue, and that African languages should play significant roles in both the exploration of the past and in contemporary and future philosophical inquiries in Africa. In other words, the real problem is not so much to determine how far philosophy is compatible or incompatible with specific languages and with language as a whole, or vice versa, as to discern what role African languages should play within the framework of the past, contemporary, and future philosophies in Africa. For if colonial experiences obliged Africans to confront this predicament without success, the contention here is that Africans cannot continue to philosophize sine die in European languages and according to European models of philosophy as if African languages cannot provide and play the same roles. Today more than before, both the lettered and “oraural” traditions of Africa invite Africans to practice self-reliance in such matters.

Résumé:

Résumé:

Le rapport entre la philosophie et la langue en Afrique semble favoriser les langues d'expression écrite au détriment des langues d'expression or (aur)ale. Concrètement, mis à part l'usage de l'Arabe et des langues européennes, cela implique l'hypothèse selon laquelle la philosophie ne serait possible que par, en et á travers les langues écrites. Cette communication se présente comme un argument selon lequel, en dépit de leur retard, les langues africaines devraient jouer leur rôle adéquat dans le cadre des études philosophiques en Afrique. En d'autres termes, le véritable problème n'est pas tellement celui de déterminer la compatibilité ou l'incompatibilité de la langue avec la philosophie, ou vice versa, que celui de savoir discerner le rôle que les langues africaines doivent jouer dans les philosophies en Afrique. Car, si l'expérience coloniale a obligé à titre de défi les Africains à confronter ce problème sans réussir, on ne doit pas continuer indéfinitivement à perpétuer l'usage des langues européennes dans les philosophies en Afrique, comme si les langues africaines sont incapables de jouer les mêmes rôles. En plus, aujour-d'hui plus qu'auparavant, les traditons écrites et or(aur)ales invitent tous les Africains à bâtir et à pratiquer les politiques de l'auto-suffisance dans ces affaires.

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Articles
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African Studies Review , Volume 44 , Issue 3 , December 2001 , pp. 27 - 45
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2001

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