Sociolinguistic analysis of the quest for African transnational languages

Abstract

The issue of Africa’s underdevelopment is sometimes explained as dependent on Africa’s multilingual profile. This multilingual characteristic of Africa makes it impossible for Africans to design real language policies with a possible opening to neighboring countries. One of the consequences of this is the inability of Africans to ensure reliable intercultural communication between neighboring countries. It is this lack of reliable and authentic inter-community communication that constitutes the interest of this analysis. Based on both qualitative and quantitative data, this analysis will rely on the sociolinguistic theory of linguistic planning policy to offer a few transnational languages in order to ensure communication and strengthen links between neighboring countries; thus, ensuring the socio-cultural and economic development of Africa.