Kodjo Adabra , N.C . State masters alumnus in French and assistant professor at the State University of New York, returned to campus to present his essay on African languages.

“Kodjo is a very remarkable young man. He has lived in many places. He speaks five languages…and he’s brilliant,” Michele Magill , associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, said. “In the foreign languages department, we’re always thinking about the value of the languages that we teach. French, compared to Spanish sometimes, is a little overlooked…but so many millions speak French in Africa.”

His lecture opened with the concern of some African writers who believe the linguistic remnants of colonization, English, French and Portuguese, are imposed upon the natives who would prefer a return to their native tongue.

“We ask if it’s critical to suggest that the concept or an idea specific to a certain African tradition can not be accurately translated into another language because of cultural differences inherent to the two societies where the two languages originated,” Adabra said during his presentation.

He spoke on the problems these writers see with the use of foreign languages.

“These languages are the exclusive domain of the miniscule, the educated minority and remain incomprehensible to the masses and most people in Africa,” Adabra said.

His argument suggests having colonial languages is beneficial to these nations. With most African countries having over 150 native languages, it would be almost impossible to choose one official language. French, English and Portuguese provide a neutral ground for Africans wishing to communicate with one another.

“However, because we find that French, English and Portuguese are deeply rooted in African daily life, it is almost impossible to simply get rid of them,” Adabra said. “We argue that those languages are part of a linguistic heritage from colonial times and should be, in a word, changed, or should I say, domesticated.”

He concluded eradicating the European languages from African society would deny opportunities for fellow Africans to communicate across boundaries.

“[Publishing in only African languages] unquestionably creates a language barrier between Africans from different linguistic groups, from different nations, and most clearly denies the opportunity to educate each other on their respective cultures and experiences,” Adabra said.

Andrea Tucker, graduate student in French language and literature, attended the presentation

“I am working on my cumulative project for my graduation, and it’s actually a translation of an African novel from French into English and a lot of it actually has to do with translating African ideas into French…and in other languages, and the cultural nuances that come along with it,” Tucker said.

She agreed with much of what Adabra said and believes his ideas resonated with what she is writing.

“I think most of what he said really supported what I’ve been writing about, especially in regards to why the particular author decided to use French,” Tucker said.

Magill hopes having Adabra here not only educated people on the linguistic culture of Africa but provided an example of what a student can do with a French degree.

“We thought it would be a very encouraging example to have him come back as a professional and he’s a role model for our students. They can have an masters in French here and move on and become well known and get a job,” Magill said.