Original title: The role of Indigenous South African languages in sustainable economic advancement
The article looks at how South Africa’s indigenous languages relate to economic development. It argues that giving dominant languages priority can make it harder for speakers of other languages to reach knowledge and economic opportunities. Publishing and communicating in indigenous languages can spread knowledge and support development. Using these languages in small businesses and local markets can also help entrepreneurship and inclusion.
Imagine trying to follow a recipe written in a language you do not understand. You may miss useful instructions, even though the ingredients and kitchen are right there. In this paper, relying on dominant languages can block people from knowledge and economic opportunities, while using local languages in publishing and business can help more people take part.
When economic information and services rely on dominant languages, speakers of other languages can face barriers to knowledge and opportunity. The article argues that publishing, communication, and local businesses using indigenous South African languages can support entrepreneurship and make economic activity more inclusive.
The abstract describes an argument and findings but does not give details about the methods, evidence, or specific cases used. It does not establish how large the economic effects are or whether the findings apply beyond the contexts discussed.
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The role of Indigenous South African languages in sustainable economic advancement — Mantoa Molete, Mlamli Diko — South African Journal of African Languages — doi:10.1080/02572117.2026.2713714
Abstract licence: CC BY
Explanation generated by Synthesis from the abstract — it is not the original paper.