Prof. Francis Nyamnjoh*
In a world increasingly dominated by a handful of global languages, Mohammed Umar’s work is a powerful and necessary act of cultural preservation. With the launch of his new website, booksinafricanlanguages.com , Umar has crossed a monumental threshold, making his books available in 203 languages, including more than 140 African languages.
This isn’t just a publishing project; it’s a labour of love that speaks directly to the heart of African identity and knowledge. For more than two decades, Umar has been driven by a conviction that every child deserves to read and learn in their own tongue. This mission was deeply influenced by his meaningful discussions with literary giants, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Henry Chakava. Inspired by Ngũgĩ’s call to champion African languages and guided by Chakava’s insights into the publishing world, Umar has built a truly unique collection.
Each translation is a meticulous work of art, produced not by machines but by human translators, ensuring that the stories resonate authentically with their local audiences. The creation of these beautiful bilingual editions is a significant step toward decolonising the mind, reminding us that African languages are not merely dialects but rich, vibrant vehicles of knowledge, imagination, and culture.
While Umar openly shares that this is not a profit-driven venture, his contribution is immeasurable. By self-publishing and navigating the complex landscape of finding skilled translators, he has single-handedly made a monumental contribution to the preservation of African linguistic heritage. His work is a testament to the belief that languages are the soul of a people, and that fostering a love for one’s own language is an essential act of empowerment.
Mohammed Umar’s new website is more than just a platform for books; it is a bridge connecting generations, a tribute to the power of language, and a profound act of hope for the future of African voices. It is a vital resource for parents, educators, and anyone who understands the fundamental importance of teaching and speaking to our children in their mother tongue. I encourage everyone to explore this extraordinary collection and support this vital work.
*Prof Francis B. Nyamnjoh is with the Department of Anthropology, University of Cape Town.
I applaud this noble venture. It is long-overdue for every African language, especially those that have been dismissed, ignored or cried down in favour of a language of colonization. Well over fifty or sixty years since independence, countries like Sierra Leone, in West Africa, are struggling to make a mother tongue/lingua franca the official language of the nation, thus cutting out a large percentage of those who cannot read or write the official (colonial) language. Those who cannot read or write English are considered illiterate while those who have learnt to read and write Krio, the language spoken
by approximately 95% of Sierra Leoneans are given no encouragement whatsoever. Thus, artists, translators, writers, teachers, etc. who could have shared their rich cultural heritage with rest of the world are forced to remain silent because they cannot use the ‘right’ language.
Thank you, Prof. Nyamnjoh for your well-timed, much-needed initiative.
Amina is a powerful and universal novel of self-awakening and cultural identity. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. I am incredibly proud of Mohammed Umar’s accomplishments in literature and his contribution to advancing the global understanding of African literature. I’m also impressed with this website! In a globalized world, where we are increasingly losing our languages and identities, his effort to reconnect us with our core, our roots, and our true selves is invaluable.
This is seismic. Thank you Umar.
Thank you, Mr. Umar, for your dedication.
Muhammed Umar is one of the most respected and great people who have tried to ensure the existence of African languages. So people like Mohammed should be treated with respect።
I had the pleasure of meeting Mohammed a few years ago. .I was in awe of his wonderful vision of reaching out to the children of the world and bringing books to them in their native tongue .So many children will have benefited and continue to benefit from his hard and enduring work. Congratulations Mohammed may you be truly blessed
I was amazed when I first received Mr Umar’s invitation to help in the translation of a book in my mother tongue. From the first task to the last, the stories have been planned so as to make you enjoy the journey. I am very grateful. African languages are being more and more known all over the world.