Africa is home to an extraordinary linguistic diversity, with over 2,000 languages spoken across the continent. However, this rich cultural heritage is under threat. Many African languages are classified as endangered, with some having only a handful of speakers left. These languages represent unique worldviews, histories, and traditions, and their loss would signify an irretrievable cultural impoverishment.
This article highlights some of Africa’s endangered languages, the challenges they face, and the ongoing efforts to preserve them.
Endangered African Languages: A Snapshot
1. Ongota (Birale) – Ethiopia
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Speakers: Fewer than 10 (as of recent estimates)
- Ongota, spoken in southwestern Ethiopia, is on the verge of extinction. The language is being replaced by Ts’amakko, spoken by a neighboring community, as younger generations shift to more dominant languages.
2. N|uu – South Africa
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Speakers: Fewer than 10
- N|uu is one of the world’s oldest languages, belonging to the San people of South Africa. It is one of the few surviving Khoisan languages with unique click consonants. Efforts to preserve N|uu include documenting its vocabulary and grammar and teaching it to younger members of the community.
3. Shumom – Cameroon
- Status: Severely Endangered
- Speakers: A small community in the Bamun Kingdom
- Shumom, a language once written in its unique Bamum script, is at risk as speakers increasingly adopt dominant languages like French. Preservation efforts focus on revitalizing the script and teaching it in schools.
4. Kwadi – Angola
- Status: Extinct
- Speakers: None
- The Kwadi language was spoken by nomadic herders in Angola but has not had any known speakers for decades. Though the language is considered extinct, research and archival work continue to preserve its memory.
5. Tjwao – Zimbabwe
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Speakers: Approximately 10
- Spoken by the San people in Zimbabwe, Tjwao faces threats from urbanization and displacement. Community-driven projects aim to document and revive this language through education programs and recordings.
Why Are African Languages Endangered?
Several factors contribute to the endangerment of African languages:
- Urbanization and Migration: Movement to urban centers often necessitates the use of dominant languages, leading to the abandonment of local tongues.
- Colonial Legacies: Colonization prioritized European languages like English, French, and Portuguese for administration and education, marginalizing indigenous languages.
- Economic Pressures: Fluency in widely spoken languages is seen as a pathway to economic opportunity, pushing smaller languages to the sidelines.
- Lack of Institutional Support: Many endangered languages are not recognized in official capacities, such as schools or media, further limiting their usage.
Efforts to Preserve African Languages
1. Documentation and Archiving
Organizations like the Endangered Languages Project and UNESCO focus on recording and archiving endangered African languages. Documenting vocabulary, grammar, and oral histories helps ensure that future generations can access and study these languages.
2. Community-Led Revitalization
Communities are at the forefront of language preservation. Efforts include teaching children traditional languages, organizing cultural events, and integrating languages into daily life.
3. Technology and Media
Digital tools, such as mobile apps, podcasts, and online courses, are being developed to teach and promote endangered African languages. Social media platforms also provide spaces for speakers to connect and share resources.
4. Education Initiatives
Some governments and non-profits are introducing endangered languages into school curricula. Teaching children in their native languages helps foster pride and ensures continuity.
5. Linguistic Activism
Activists and scholars advocate for the recognition and support of minority languages. This includes pushing for language-friendly policies and raising public awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity.
Why Language Preservation Matters
Preserving endangered languages is about more than just words; it’s about safeguarding the cultural and intellectual heritage of entire communities. Languages carry unique ways of understanding the world, offering insights into history, ecology, and human creativity.
As each language disappears, we lose a piece of humanity’s collective knowledge and diversity. Preserving Africa’s endangered languages is not just a local responsibility; it’s a global one.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The fight to save endangered African languages is a race against time. Every speaker, community, and initiative counts in ensuring these languages remain vibrant and relevant. By supporting documentation projects, learning about endangered languages, and raising awareness, we can all play a part in preserving Africa’s linguistic heritage for generations to come.
Let’s celebrate the voices of Africa and ensure they are never silenced.
Janga Wolof 
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