http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1608 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:21:02 GMT 2026-04-13T12:21:02Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1609 Challenges of writing and publishing in indigenous languages and impact on rural development Bernard, Naledzani Rasila; Mudau, MJ “Indigenous languages are heritage in danger” These are the words of the chairperson of the South African Heritage Council, advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa addressing structures of Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) on 03rd August 2012 at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. This is true as it is proven that even writing and publishing in Indigenous languages seem to be faced with many challenges. These challenges were orchestrated by the imposition of English and Afrikaans over the Indigenous Languages. This led to many decades of the undermining of the indigenous languages which saw very little material written in these languages. Indigenous languages even today are not seen as languages of economy. This therefore implies that speakers of these languages, more specially those in rural areas are deprived of socio-economic empowerment. Afrikaners fought the British around 1899-1902 pushing matters of the Taal-Stryd. Lord Alfred Miller, the High Commissioner of South Africa between 1897 and 1905 made sure that English is well placed above Afrikaans. The establishment of the Volktaal also looked at promoting Afrikaans language. At times, the indigenous languages were relegated only to the Bantustan (Homelands). Afrikaans was given a huge boost by state and was developed into a second language of the country. The dawn of democracy saw indigenous languages accorded the official status. However, it is still difficult for the emerging publishers to publish material in these languages unless the material is prescribed for schools. If publishers get it hard to publish, then writers also get no encouragement for writing. The language barrier impacts negatively on rural development due to limited or no exposure of rural communities to economic activities. This paper explains the necessary interventions to make sure the indigenous languages continue to be written and published, with recommendations directed to both government institutions and the private sector. The paper also indicates the negative impact on rural development caused by little or no material published in indigenous languages. Article Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1609 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z