A television game show in Lagos is using entertainment to promote an important cultural conversation.
“Masoyinbo”, meaning “Do not speak English”, challenges contestants to communicate in African languages, reflecting a wider resurgence of interest in cultural identity among younger Africans and members of the diaspora.
The movement is also being supported by digital learning platforms, with young people in countries such as Zimbabwe using online classes to learn languages including Shona and reconnect with their families and heritage.
However, linguists caution that many African languages remain underrepresented in formal education, commerce, science and technology.
The growing intersection of entertainment, education and technology could provide an opportunity to expand the use of African languages beyond the home and cultural sphere.
The question is whether this cultural resurgence can translate into lasting institutional support for Africa’s linguistic diversity.
