Multilingualism, Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities of Linguistic Practice and Policy

Much research has focused on ethnic diversity and cleavages as a source of conflict, with ethnic markers often defined based on language, where individuals belong to mutually exclusive groups. This overlooks the phenomenon of multilingualism and its practice, or how individuals can often speak more than one language or have access to shared codes. Although multilingualism is widespread in Africa, existing research has not considered the possibility for multilingualism to create shared or bridging ties or how this may affect the prospects for conflict and its resolution. We develop new theories and concepts for how multilingualism can affect conflict and promote conflict resolution. We will conduct comparative analyses of conflict onset and termination by degree of the practice of multilingualism. We will collect new data on the prevalence of multilingualism as well as how speakers use multilingual skills and codes in navigating complex situations. We will consider how opportunities for targeted programmes on multilingual settings can affect conflict and promote conflict resolution. The project will give rise to a book as well as at least five articles and impact on the local level in target communities. The project is highly interdisciplinary, with prominent researchers in politics and linguistics, and will bring together a team of senior and early career researchers and practitioners in the UK and Africa.