Challenges in Developing & Empowering Indigenous Languages: A case of isiXhosa (South Africa)

After freedom and independence have been gained, one would expect redress and reconciliation with regard to injustices of the past. This has not been the case in South Africa. The dehumanisation, marginalisation and oppression of indigenous languages in the country continue unabated. This study briefly looks at the challenges in developing and empowering these languages, especially isiXhosa. Various attempts to encourage their use and improve their status are explored and some factors contributing their failure have been pointed out. Tentative recommendations and way forward have been offered. This book can be of great value to stakeholders who intend working on the indigenous languages of South Africa.