The Academy has disqualified Nigeria’s “Lionheart” from the Oscar race in the Best International Feature Film category, lessening the number of films competing from what had been a record 93 entries. The film was disqualified based on language which has roused debates on poor award management historic insensitivity.
African languages
Arts and Culture South Africans prefer their children to be taught in English
South African parents want their children be taught in English despite the fact that research shows that academic progress is hindered if a child is taught in a language they aren’t proficient in.
Arts and Culture Ethiopia submits film in Amharic Running Against the Wind for Oscars 2020
Running Against the Wind, an Ethiopian film in Amharic has been submitted for the Best International Feature Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards to be held on February 9, 2020.
Arts and Culture SADC to adopt Kiswahili as the fourth official language
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently agreed to adopt Kiswahili as the fourth official language. The decision was greeted with interest and it has been hailed as a progressive step. What are your thoughts?
Arts and Culture Beijing Foreign Studies University has set up a Zulu department
A Chinese University has set up a Zulu department officially promoting the language as a programme offered at undergraduate level thus strengthening ties between the two countries.
Arts and Culture Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o awarded 2019 Erich Maria Remarque Peace Prize
East African literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has been awarded the 2019 Erich Maria Remarque Peace Prize for Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. The collection of essays focuses on language and its constructive role in national culture, history and identity.
Arts and Culture South Africa signs MoU with Kenya to facilitate the teaching of Kiswahili in its schools
Kenya and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a foundation for the introduction of Kiswahili as an elective language in the South African educational system. This is South Africa’s next step in fully integrating Kiswahili as an indigenous language to promote unity and social cohesion with fellow Africans.
Arts and Culture Tanzania to send Kiswahili teachers to South Sudan
South Sudan and Tanzania have signed a five-year deal that will see Tanzania sending Kiswahili teachers to Africa’s newest nation.
Arts and Culture Why embracing indigenous languages could have major benefits for Kenya
Research shows that mother tongue teaching is the most ideal tool for early child education.