Inaugural issue of Language Policy in Africa now published!

The Edinburgh Circle on the Promotion of African Languages (ECPAL), in collaboration with Initiative Afrique (University of Bern, Switzerland), is pleased to announce the launch of Language Policy in Africa (LPIA), an open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal.  

Language Policy in Africa emerges from the conviction that African languages are central to the continent’s development, also in the  context of decolonisation. While widely used across the continent, African languages remain largely excluded from formal domains such as education, governance, health, social services and legal systems. It seems evident that more use of African languages in formal domains is not merely desirable; it is unavoidable to ensure inclusivity. Linguists and other social scientists have an important role in researching, discussing, and thus helping shape practical, efficient, rational, and inclusive African language-based policies on the whole continent.

This inaugural issue contains seven peer-reviewed articles, mostly by African authors, plus one “Forum” opinion piece by Professor Salikoko Mufwene, who is also a member of the Editorial Board. Together, they cover policy issues across the continent, from Morocco to South Africa and many countries in-between. 

LPIA invites contributions from linguists and social scientists whose works engage with language policy and planning, multilingualism, education, governance, and related fields. By bringing together interdisciplinary scholarship, the journal aims to support the development of practical, efficient, rational, and inclusive language policies across Africa. LPIA encourages scientific publications in African languages. 

Following this inaugural issue, the journal will adopt a rolling publication model. Articles will be published as they are received and accepted, grouped into issues and volumes.

Language Policy in Africa is freely accessible online, reinforcing its commitment to open and inclusive scholarship. Information and access to the journal is available at  https://bop.unibe.ch/LPIA/index. Spread the word!