Unlocking the potential of indigenous language publishing: The case of formerly marginalised languages in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study examined the transformative potential of publishing in indigenous languages, particularly those previously marginalized languages in Zimbabwe, as a means of embracing cultural identity, linguistic diversity, and social inclusion. Despite the rich linguistic endowment in Africa, many indigenous languages remain untapped or underrepresented in print and digital media, hindering their growth and sustainability. This explorative paper is couched in the lenses of language ecological revivalism which involves the promotion of indigenous languages in various contexts. The study employed document analysis, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with twenty purposively sampled indigenous languages college lecturers and administrators. The study established that there is a plethora of literature in indigenous languages which is however lying dormant because of the existing publishing practices which include limited resources for start-up publishing houses and lack of innovative ways. The findings dovetail well with the theoretical framework which diagnoses the causes of language endangerment, the solutions required, and the linguistic choices to be made The research findings underscored the need for collaborative efforts from publishers, the government and local communities in order to guarantee sustainable ways to fully embrace all the official languages as enshrined in the constitution.