By: Gofaone Motsamai

The rich linguistic diversity in Africa has always posed challenges and opportunities for the media, particularly for radio. A new book, Reconceptualising Multilingualism on African Radio, seeks to redefine multilingualism on African radio broadcasting by proffering epistemological ways to solve the African language problem.

The book was edited by two North-West University (NWU) academics – Dr Limukani Mathe, a lecturer and research fellow at the Social Transformation research focus area, and Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe from Indigenous Language Media in Africa research niche area.

“The book provides fresh insights into the complexities of accommodating multilingual speakers and offers practical solutions for promoting social cohesion through radio programming,” says Dr Mathe.

The editors and contributors highlight the unique linguistic realities of African societies, where multiple languages – some widely spoken and others marginalised – coexist and shape everyday communication. The book argues that African radio can serve as a platform to bridge the diversity of languages by reflecting the coexistence of speakers, rather than limiting itself to a few major languages.

The central theme explored is the fluidity of identity and language use in pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial African contexts. Dr Mathe and his collaborators suggest that many communities naturally embody multilingualism, challenging traditional perceptions that isolate languages as separate entities.

“The book presents applied case studies that illustrate how some radio stations have successfully navigated these complexities by fostering linguistic inclusivity and cultural exchange. These examples not only demonstrate the potential of multilingual broadcasting but also highlight the role of radio as a tool for promoting social cohesion in linguistically diverse societies,” Dr Mathe notes.

Furthermore, the authors propose practical strategies for accommodating multilingual speakers, such as adopting hybrid language formats, developing multilingual programming schedules, and training broadcasters to effectively engage with diverse audiences.

“By reconceptualising multilingualism as an inclusive and dynamic practice, the book makes a significant contribution to ongoing conversations about lingual diversity in the media landscape. It challenges radio broadcasters to rethink how they can better serve multilingual audiences, promote cultural understanding and strengthen social bonds,” Dr Mathe emphasises.

Find the book on Springer Nature Link here.

Dr Limukani Mathe

Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe