Abstract
This paper takes a critical look at information and communication technologies (ICTs) and asserts that the advantages and opportunities which they purportedly offer should not be exaggerated within the context of indigenous populations of Africa, most of which use ICT gadgets and applications that are built into languages alien to them. This scenario is reminiscent of technological determinism which assumes that the target users of ICTs should be able to understand the language in which the technologies are crafted. Unfortunately, the inability of indigenous peoples to adequately comprehend these technologies, as a result of language hindrances, has dramatically eroded the professed socio-economic benefits of ICTs and creates a sore point in the globalisation process, which these technologies drive. Attempted resolution of this colossal deficiency, by a few discerning makers of ICTs, has not succeeded and, in fact, has the potential of complicating the problem. This paper concludes that the solution to the challenge is still feasible within the domain of Afrocomplementarism, which promotes the convergence of indigenous contents and Western technologies. The process should start with local initiatives in developing indigenous languages. By imbuing local and global (such as the Internet) media with indigenous language content, the potential exists for raising awareness amongst ICT producers and encouraging them to develop technologies to accommodate these languages.
Highlights
This paper takes a critical look at information and communication technologies (ICTs) and asserts that the advantages and opportunities which they purportedly offer should not be exaggerated within the context of indigenous populations of Africa, most of which use ICT gadgets and applications that are built into languages alien to them
African countries with a colonial past, three categories seem to have emerged with regard to proficiency in a foreign, colonial language: those who can write or speak it fluently; those who struggle with the language and the folks who can hardly write or speak it
The question at this point is: what is the implication of this classification with regard to ICTs? This question can be answered in the light of the benefits that ICTs purportedly offer
Summary
This paper takes a critical look at information and communication technologies (ICTs) and asserts that the advantages and opportunities which they purportedly offer should not be exaggerated within the context of indigenous populations of Africa, most of which use ICT gadgets and applications that are built into languages alien to them. This linear approach, which applies one-size-fits-all systems to products, has significantly undermined the often trumpeted benefits of ICTs. By using mainly the major world languages as ICT-oriented languages, where recall of what indigenous people read is difficult, (Mecartty, 2001:265), ICT practitioners are qualified to be accused of elitist and exclusionary practices which hinder access of the affected people to learning, thereby hampering empowerment and promoting a dismal socio-economic development.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
