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Accepted Paper
What about the politics? A realist interrogation of the stand to conduct African studies research in African languages
Olukayode Eesuola
(Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos)
Paper short abstract
Who is considering the politics and balance of forces amongst who funds research, who needs research, what kind of research is conducted and funded; and how is this politics played without sacrificing the sanctity of objectivity in research?
Paper long abstract
That research in African Studies should be conducted in African Languages is becoming a popular intellectual stand. It has been driven by the logic that the best way to capture the experiences and convey the realities of a people is to work with their languages. But who is considering the politics involved: the struggle for value and balance of forces amongst who funds research, who needs research, what kind of research is conducted and funded; and, where is research realistically best disseminated to achieve its set aims and objectives? This paper explores, interrogates and analyses 'these politics' through established literature and focused group discussions. Findings from both are subjected to in-depth analysis and the conclusion is drawn that though conducting African Studies research in African languages is, in principle desirable, it must yet be pursued within the realistic global context of the struggle for value and balance of forces: the politics. A few ways of doing so are then suggested.
Language issues: reconfiguring language use in African studies [initiated by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, with Africa Multiple Centre of Excellence, Bayreuth]
Session 1