Language rights and the San in Namibia: A fragile and ambiguous but necessary proposition

In many countries, discriminatory language policies from the colonial era continued after independence, favouring languages that the majority of citizens do not speak as the first language in their homes. Policies, legislation and their implementation often discriminate against indigenous languages in a number of ways. The prevailing situation in the world today is that certain languages are given official status and recognition while the majority of languages, and, in particular, indigenous languages are denied legal recognition. This imbalance weakens indigenous languages and contributes to views that portray indigenous languages as inferior and give room for discriminatory and corrupt practices that are difficult to combat through legal or political means.