Western media’s focus on colonial languages
- Karim Bah highlights the issue of Western media categorizing African countries based on colonial languages.
- He points out that Wolof is widely spoken in both Senegal and the Gambia, which is often overlooked.
- Bah calls for Western media to recognize African languages, arguing that this would enhance the representation of the continent.
In a letter to the editor, Karim Bah critiques the tendency of Western media to describe African countries primarily through the lens of colonial languages, such as English, while neglecting the significance of indigenous languages like Wolof. This practice was highlighted in a recent report that referred to the Gambia as an 'English-speaking country' without acknowledging the widespread use of Wolof in both Senegal and the Gambia. Bah argues that this approach not only diminishes the cultural richness of African languages but also perpetuates a colonial perspective that continues to influence how the continent is perceived. He calls for a shift in reporting practices, urging Western media to recognize and respect African languages in their coverage. By doing so, they would contribute to a more accurate and respectful representation of African nations and their diverse linguistic heritage.