INTRODUCTION
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is characterised by its remarkable linguistic diversity, with between 200 and 400 languages and dialects. This linguistic plurality constitutes a precious cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the Congolese heritage. However, recent data reveals that a large proportion of young Congolese no longer speak or master the indigenous languages, largely preferring French and English. This glottophagy represents a real challenge for the preservation of the country’s cultural identity. This article looks at the consequences of this glottophagy for Congolese youth.
THE IRRUPTION OF GLOTTOPHAGY IN THE DRC
In linguistics, glottophagy is defined as a process whereby a dominant language gradually suppresses local or minority languages.
Like many colonised countries, the DRC adopted French as its official language during the colonial era, a situation that has persisted since independence, despite the recognition of Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba and Swahili as national languages. According to the Observatoire de la Langue Française (OIF), by 2023, more than 78% of the DRC’s 100 million inhabitants will speak French, making it the second largest French-speaking country in the world in terms of speakers.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE GLOTTOPHAGY OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DRC
Three main factors contribute to glottophagia in the DRC: education, globalisation and the job market. French is a requirement for education and employment, making it an essential asset for young people. Globalisation, with its focus on foreign languages in new technologies and the media, also plays a crucial role in the assimilation of other languages. These factors force young people to use French and English frequently.
THE IMPACT OF GLOTTOPHAGY ON CONGOLESE YOUTH
The impact of glottophagy is manifold and can be summed up in three main points. Firstly, there is a loss of cultural and linguistic identity among young people. Local languages are disappearing because most young people no longer learn them, which means that cultural values and history are disappearing.
Secondly, there are psychological and social consequences, with a social divide between those who express themselves in native languages and those who prefer French or English.
Thirdly, glottophagy leads to acculturation in the sense that young people increasingly assimilate the culture of the dominant languages. We can therefore say that Congolese young people are undergoing a process of westernisation. This situation is giving rise to a number of ethical and aesthetic problems.
CONCLUSION
Glottophagy is haemorrhaging Congolese youth. The authorities and government organisations must actively promote local languages to counter this phenomenon. Local languages need to be integrated into the educational and administrative systems to preserve the linguistic and cultural wealth of the DRC.
