Each February in the United States marks Black History Month, a key opportunity to reflect on the contributions of the African American community and to discuss the impact of history, culture, and identity on the educational landscape.
In higher education, Black History Month not only encourages recognition of influential historical figures, but also pushes us to consider a more inclusive approach to teaching. An often overlooked aspect of these discussions is the relationship between Black history and language learning—a crucial link in promoting diversity, equity, and a truly global education.
Language learning plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. Understanding other languages and cultures allows students to develop a global perspective and challenge Eurocentric historical narratives. In the case of Black history, multilingualism offers an opportunity to connect with the African roots of many African Americans and with the African diaspora around the world.
Language is a powerful tool in the preservation of culture. During slavery in the United States, many people of African descent were forbidden to speak their native languages, resulting in significant linguistic loss. However, the influence of African languages has remained in African American English and Creole music, folklore, and linguistic expressions. By studying other languages, students can explore these connections and better understand the cultural richness of communities of African descent.
Connections Between Black History and Language Studies
The legacy of African languages: The influence of African languages on African American English, Louisiana Creole, and other dialects demonstrates how languages can resist oppression and evolve within new realities. The inclusion of African American language studies in higher education is essential to understanding this evolution and its impact on cultural identity.
African descendants in Spanish-speaking communities: Black history is rooted not only in the United States, but also in Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions where the African diaspora has had a large presence. Learning Spanish, Portuguese, or French allows students to explore the history of communities of African descent in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Haiti, promoting a more interconnected view of the past and present.
Activism and global communication: Leaders of African descent have used their knowledge of multiple languages to advocate for civil rights internationally. For example, W.E.B. Du Bois, a pioneer in the struggle for equality, spoke multiple languages and used his global education to influence debates about race and justice. Today, the ability to communicate in multiple languages allows students to participate in social justice movements internationally and to better understand the struggles of the African diaspora in different contexts.
Implementation in Higher Education
For Black History Month to have a lasting impact in higher education, it is critical to take an interdisciplinary approach. Some strategies to strengthen the connection between Black history and language learning include:
Inclusive curricula: Incorporate Black history into language and cultural studies courses
Exchanges and study abroad: Encourage immersion programs in countries with a strong Afro-descendant presence
Research and community projects: Support studies of Afro-descendant languages and their impact on identity and culture
Events and conferences: Organize panels on Black history in linguistics, literature, and education
Ultimately, Black History Month should be not just a commemoration, but also a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure equitable and diverse education. Integrating language learning into the exploration of African American history allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and linguistic interconnections that have shaped the African diaspora. Higher education has a responsibility to foster instruction that reflects the diversity of the world and prepares students to be informed global citizens who are committed to social justice.
By Andreina Ibarra.
Read also: Five Historic Firsts to Know for Black History Month
