Pan-African Linguistic and Cultural Unity
A Basis For pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance
in Theoria
Abstract
Contrary to the view that Africa is populated by many ethnic groups whose cultures and languages have no relation to one another, scientific research, as opposed to impressionistic arguments, points to the fact that African languages are connected, and by extension, demonstrate African cultural connectivity and unity. By making reference to both African and European scholars, this article demonstrates pan-African linguistic and cultural unity, and echoes pan-Africanist scholars’ call for African linguistic and cultural unity as a basis for pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.
Contributor Notes
Simphiwe Sesanti is an Associate Professor at the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) Institute for African Renaissance Studies (IARS). He is also the Deputy Editor of the International Journal of African Renaissance Studies (IJARS). His research interests include the African Renaissance, African Philosophy, Gender, the Media and Pan-Africanism. E-mail: sesanso@unisa.ac.za