The linguistic consequences of French colonial policy of assimilation in West Africa: Implications for national growth and development

Musa F Oyabebefa, Harold B Buku

Abstract


This study is predicated on the need to find out the linguistic consequences of French Assimilation policy in West Africa and implications for growth and national development. Findings from the study show that National integration which involves the emergence of a nation state with emphasis on linguistic uniformity retards development under the policy of Assimilation. French as an instrument of colonization was also for subjugation and plunder which retards progress of states in Francophone West Africa. The study ends with the recommendation that nation states will be more representative and achieve stronger and sustainable unity for minority languages and their distinct cultural practices are guaranteed rights.

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References


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