The role of sensitisation in the success of community-geared language revitalisation programme: an experience from BASAL programme in Cameroon

Abstract

This paper aims at showing the importance of sensitisation in the success of a language revitalisation programme based on community-geared approach. Driving some experiences from BASAL (Basic Standardisation of all Unwritten African Languages), the paper shows that without a well-organised and strategic campaign which allows the researcher to get into direct contact with community members and community leaders in order to gain participation, the project would fail. When a linguist, researcher and outsider settles in a community in the perspective of developing their language, he must first find some strategies that will help him to nurture a conducive environment if he wishes to succeed. This requires sensitisation of local people. The main goal of sensitisation is to capture responsiveness of the native speakers and convince them to contribute and collaborate through their effective participation and empowerment toward success in the development of their language.