Reconceptualising Multilingualism on African Radio: Language and Identity
Deep Insights
Cham: Palgrave Macmillan (2025), 262 pp.
Series: Literature, Cultural and Media Studies
ISBN 978-3-031-77853-7 (ebook); 978-3-031-77852-0 (print)
"This book redefines multilingualism via the concept of radio in Africa. Africa presents unique challenges of lingual diversity which the media still struggles to accommodate, particularly when it comes to indigenous languages. Contributors argue that the linguistic realities of African radio reflect ethnic co-existence and fluidity of identity in pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial contexts. They argue that communities consist of several “majorized” and “minoritized” indigenous languages which, if closely analysed, reflect a commonality of multilingualism. The book also suggests practical measures through which linguistic co-existence could be achieved and explores cases that redefine, reconceptualize and reframe multilingualism on African radio." (Publisher description)
1 Reconceptualising Multilingualism on African Radio: An Introduction / Limukani Mathe and Gilbert Motsaathebe, 1
2 Accommodating Multilingualism on Religious National Radio: The Case of Radio Islam Malawi / Saizi Salim Katete Kimu, Witness Hassan Mdoka, and Abiodun Salawu, 19
3 Analysing Multilingualism on Lagos FM in Nigeria: A Cultural Proximity Perspective / Funke Omole, Babatunde Adeyeye, and Benjamin Ogundeji, 43
4 Unlocking Multilingualism on Radio in Lesotho / Sekoai Elliot Nkhi, Hlompho Letsie, Tsepiso Claurina Mncina, and Mongali Mofana, 63
5 Beyond Officialised Languages in South Africa: A Case of Thobela FM / Matsobane Lehlogonolo Masuku and Kealeboga Aiseng, 87
6 Interrogating the Interplay of Multilingualism and Multiculturalism on Lupane State University Campus Radio Station [Zimbabwe] / Jennings Joy Chibike, Samuel Anesu Muzhingi, Patience Pikanegore, and Buhlebenkosi Makalisa, 111
7 Code-Switching and Mixing on Star FM Zimbabwe: A Case of The Breakfast Club Show / Clemenciana Mukenge, 131
8 Radio and Music Playtime: A Multilingual Approach in Minority Language Songs [Zimbabwe] / Limukani Mathe, 157
9 The Development and Use of Economic Terminology and Content on Indigenous Radio in the Context of Multilingualism in South Africa / Bandile Ngidi, Naiefa Rashied, Tanyarandzwa Gandanhamo, and Sandile Mbatha, 175
10 Overcoming Ethnic Divisions on Kenyan Radio: A Multilingual Programming Approach / Keziah Wangui Githinji and Limukani Mathe, 203
11 Transnational Identities and Linguistic Citizenship: A Case Study of the Kalanga on BuKalanga Radio [Zimbabwe] / Nomzamo Dube, 221
12 Multilingual Minorities and Cultural Identity Reaffirmation: A Case of the Shangani on Avuxeni FM [Zimbabwe] / Nyasha Cefas Zimuto, 243
2 Accommodating Multilingualism on Religious National Radio: The Case of Radio Islam Malawi / Saizi Salim Katete Kimu, Witness Hassan Mdoka, and Abiodun Salawu, 19
3 Analysing Multilingualism on Lagos FM in Nigeria: A Cultural Proximity Perspective / Funke Omole, Babatunde Adeyeye, and Benjamin Ogundeji, 43
4 Unlocking Multilingualism on Radio in Lesotho / Sekoai Elliot Nkhi, Hlompho Letsie, Tsepiso Claurina Mncina, and Mongali Mofana, 63
5 Beyond Officialised Languages in South Africa: A Case of Thobela FM / Matsobane Lehlogonolo Masuku and Kealeboga Aiseng, 87
6 Interrogating the Interplay of Multilingualism and Multiculturalism on Lupane State University Campus Radio Station [Zimbabwe] / Jennings Joy Chibike, Samuel Anesu Muzhingi, Patience Pikanegore, and Buhlebenkosi Makalisa, 111
7 Code-Switching and Mixing on Star FM Zimbabwe: A Case of The Breakfast Club Show / Clemenciana Mukenge, 131
8 Radio and Music Playtime: A Multilingual Approach in Minority Language Songs [Zimbabwe] / Limukani Mathe, 157
9 The Development and Use of Economic Terminology and Content on Indigenous Radio in the Context of Multilingualism in South Africa / Bandile Ngidi, Naiefa Rashied, Tanyarandzwa Gandanhamo, and Sandile Mbatha, 175
10 Overcoming Ethnic Divisions on Kenyan Radio: A Multilingual Programming Approach / Keziah Wangui Githinji and Limukani Mathe, 203
11 Transnational Identities and Linguistic Citizenship: A Case Study of the Kalanga on BuKalanga Radio [Zimbabwe] / Nomzamo Dube, 221
12 Multilingual Minorities and Cultural Identity Reaffirmation: A Case of the Shangani on Avuxeni FM [Zimbabwe] / Nyasha Cefas Zimuto, 243
