International Journal of Language & Literature

The Scarcity of Literature Written in African Languages in American Libraries
Dainess Maganda

Abstract
Language scholars agree that including a wide range of literature to teach a foreign language is important. However, limited research exist regarding the availability of literature written in Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL) to enhance learning and to help Americans learn about other cultures, as well as making such languages more visible in the American public. While highlighting the presence of literature in other LCTL, this research examines the availability of books written in African languages in seven public libraries in addition to three high school, four middle school, and twelve elementary school libraries in North Eastern America. Preliminary findings indicate all public libraries examined do not have books written in any African languages. A discussion on the implications of these findings for teaching and research is presented. Strategies and ideas on ways universities offering LCTL and scholars who speak African languages could begin to address this need are shared.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v3n1a2