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The African Academy of Languages conceptualizes African integration and development through African languages. It is through African languages that the continent will restore its dignity and respect. In East Africa, Swahili resisted the waves of imperial culture to claim its rightful position. The language is growing and spreading, embracing on its way the elements of Ubuntu and 'Africanness' which makes it accepted from one country to another. Following the example of Kiswahili's linguistic and literary affluence, the paper argues that African languages demonstrate the potential not only for Africa's integration, but indeed the ability to maintain peace and mutual understanding and respect. Combining with economic prospects, African languages such as Kiswahili are likely to stand for, and boost African development. Using the Ubuntu theory as developed by Horace Campbell (2010), the paper looks into the possible reasons for the spread of Kiswahili in different nations in modern times, and the rationale for its acceptance in a multilingual African environment. The paper calls for the policy makers in Africa to give priority to African languages, paving the way to a realistic education system, freedom of expression, stimulation of innovative ideas and creativity, and the ultimate development of the African people |
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