Campus of Legend: In South Africa, reclaiming one's mother tongue to decolonize knowledge [3/6]

Reclaiming Indigenous Thought

At the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, a pioneering initiative is underway to fundamentally reshape the academic landscape by prioritizing African mother tongues. Professor Nnamdi Elleh, formerly head of the School of Architecture, has championed an approach that encourages students to conceptualize and articulate complex ideas in their native languages. This effort stems from the belief that true decolonization of knowledge cannot occur if the very framework of thought remains rooted in foreign linguistic structures. Elleh's work, spanning seven years, has aimed to dismantle the notion that advanced academic discourse is exclusively the domain of English or French.

The core of this endeavor is the Wits Vernacular Innovations (Wits-VITS) platform, designed to build comprehensive lexicons of intricate concepts in various local languages. Professor Elleh illustrates the profound impact of this by citing a student's exploration of the word "landscape" in Zulu culture. Unlike Western definitions, the Zulu understanding encompasses not only the physical terrain but also the sky, wind, air, and the interconnectedness of both living and ancestral beings. Such examples highlight how indigenous languages offer unique epistemological frameworks that can enrich and broaden academic disciplines, moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives that have historically dominated higher education in Africa.

Language as a Tool of Power

Professor Elleh argues that language itself is a potent instrument of power, often used to assert dominance and perpetuate intellectual dependency. He points out that terms like "Westernization" inherently carry a connotation of ownership and borrowing, implying that new ideas or advancements originate from the West and are merely adopted by others. This linguistic framing, he contends, acts as a subtle but powerful weapon, reinforcing a colonial mindset where African thought is perceived as secondary or derivative. By actively "decolonizing words and thoughts" through his program, Elleh seeks to empower students to challenge these ingrained narratives and assert intellectual sovereignty.

The initiative directly confronts the prevailing academic norm in most African universities, where instruction predominantly occurs in former colonial languages. This reliance on English and French often alienates students from their cultural heritage and limits their ability to engage with concepts from an authentically African perspective. By fostering an environment where vernacular languages are not just tolerated but actively cultivated for academic rigor, Wits is positioning these languages as dynamic, modern tools for innovation and knowledge creation, rather than relics of the past.

Transforming the Academic Experience

The impact of this linguistic reorientation on students is demonstrably transformative. Marie-Justine Mutabazi, a fifth-year architecture student, attests to a profound shift in her perception of the discipline. Initially, like many peers, she viewed architecture as an external, non-African concept. However, Professor Elleh's guidance redirected her focus towards African knowledge systems, enabling her to draw upon an internal wellspring of understanding for her master's projects. This internal sourcing of knowledge, rather than external seeking, signifies a crucial step towards intellectual self-reliance and cultural affirmation.

This pedagogical shift at Wits is not merely about translation; it is about fostering a new way of thinking that integrates indigenous worldviews into contemporary academic practice. By validating and elevating vernacular languages, the university is cultivating a generation of scholars who can contribute to global knowledge from a distinctly African vantage point. This approach promises to not only enrich the academic experience for African students but also to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse global intellectual discourse, where African languages are recognized as vital conduits for advanced thought and innovation.