The Power of Language in Community Development and Knowledge Sharing
As part of the 2024 Africa Philanthropy Network Assembly, UNNGOF, WACSI, and APN convened a community dialogue on the Role of Language in Knowledge Production and Community-led Development. Language plays a critical role in shaping community development and knowledge sharing, serving as both a bridge and a barrier. Participants explored how language impacts engagement, communication, and the success of community initiatives. Discussions emphasized the need to decolonize knowledge systems, preserve indigenous languages, and rethink how development discourse can become more inclusive and context-specific.
The Urgency to Decolonize Knowledge
One of the critical point of discussion was the dominance of Western frameworks in defining “standard knowledge.” This dominance often sidelines indigenous knowledge systems, which are rich in traditional wisdom. Indigenous languages carry profound insights essential for addressing contemporary issues, from climate resilience to sustainable agriculture. For instance, elders in certain communities can predict rainfall or drought through subtle environmental cues, guiding resource management. Similarly, ecological taboos, like avoiding certain animals or foods, reflect wisdom that promotes ecological balance.
These practices illustrate the resilience and sustainability embedded in indigenous traditions. For example, communal granaries, such as the lutetia tradition, once supported food security through collective resource sharing. Though these practices are fading, their principles remain relevant, emphasizing mutual aid and community well-being.
The Role of Language in Development Spaces
Colonial languages, such as English and French, dominate global development discourse, often sidelining local languages. This imbalance creates barriers for communities, making development efforts feel disconnected or imposing. Participants noted that terms frequently used in the project cycle, like “development” or “feminism,” often lack direct translations in indigenous languages. Simplifying communication and using culturally resonant analogies can help bridge this gap.
It was also discovered that biases linked to language proficiency perpetuate inequalities. For example, fluency in English is often equated with education, overlooking the cultural knowledge of those who primarily communicate in local languages. To counter this, participants advocated for language justice, ensuring people can express themselves in their native languages without fear of marginalization.
Technology as a Tool for Decolonizing Language
Dr. Moses Isooba introduced the Langauge and Lexicon, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to enhance language use in development work. This tool flags problematic terms like “beneficiaries” and “capacity building,” offering inclusive alternatives that reflect dignity and respect. It assesses reports for toxicity, identifying language that could undermine collaboration and empowerment. By adopting such tools, development practitioners can create communication that aligns with values of inclusivity and equity.
Bridging the Generational Gap in Knowledge Sharing
A significant concern raised was the disconnect between elders, who hold vast reservoirs of indigenous knowledge, and younger generations, who are increasingly distanced from traditional ways of knowing. Many indigenous practices exist only in oral traditions, making their preservation urgent. Participants proposed intergenerational dialogues and youth-led documentation initiatives to bridge this gap. Workshops, storytelling sessions, and video interviews could help sustain these traditions while making them accessible in modern formats.
Action Points for Inclusive Development
The session concluded with actionable recommendations:
- Integrate local languages into every stage of development to enhance community engagement and understanding.
- Map out knowledge holders and create structured processes for preserving and sharing traditional wisdom.
- Translate reports into local languages and avoid jargon to foster greater community ownership.
- Ensure that all participants in development spaces can communicate in languages they are comfortable with, using interpretation services where necessary.
- Establish collaborative hubs where communities can apply their knowledge to solve challenges.
- Celebrate and integrate diverse traditions and practices into development efforts to align with community values.
The Way Forward
Language is more than a tool for communication; it shapes perceptions, empowers communities, and transmits cultural heritage. By prioritizing indigenous languages and knowledge, development efforts can become more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally aligned. As one participant noted, “Language carries elements of culture, tradition, and resistance, and can be an agent of empowerment or oppression.”
As the development sector embraces these principles, it must also adopt practical measures, such as technology-driven tools, to decolonize language and rethink communication. By doing so, the sector can truly collaborate with communities to craft solutions that are respectful, empowering, and rooted in local contexts.
