By Kester Ken Klumjah Studying the Russian language faces impressive barriers in Africa. Throughout these many years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow has intensified its efforts to promote the study of the Russian language and culture throughout Africa. But there have been few tangible results largely due to low motivation for the language, its usefulness being blurry compared to other foreign languages including French, English and now Chinese.
In previous years, there was growing concern about Russia’s very low presence in Africa. The truth is that Russia’s primary interest was to become part of Europe and establish trade relations with it From Lisbon to Vladivostok, her dream of the prestigious Global North. Given the changing geopolitical situation, Russia now hopes to normalize cultural relations but faces multiple challenges. The Kremlin leadership, the Foreign Ministry, and NGOs including the Russky Mir Foundation, which was created to support language study within Africa, must seriously prioritize various stimulating factors such as extensive year-round tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and culture. Links, and more educational collaboration. Trade relations, especially SMEs in the private sector (as opposed to government corporate business deals) and business interactions are very limited between the two regions.
Critics say that Russia, which is a staunch advocate of multipolarity, is still far from being receptive, inclusive, interactive and integrated with foreigners. As it seems, Russia’s irreconcilable cultural differences, xenophobic sentiments, and discriminatory attitudes because of color make the country a separate society. It is noted that potential African learners simply see few opportunities to practice Russian and find it difficult to deepen cultural understanding and dispel stereotypes.
Critics also express doubts about how much the Russian language can enhance bilateral cultural relations with Africa. Russia’s tourist destinations are still not very popular among the middle class, which numbers an estimated 350 million people, twice the population of Russia.
Most Africans prefer to study foreign languages to ensure smooth participation in activities between countries such as trade and in order to maintain relations with people abroad. Foreign countries, for example Britain, the United States, European countries and now China are traditionally their favourites. There are always interactive programs and cultural activities run by foreign missions and NGOs throughout the year to support the government’s efforts in establishing multi-faceted foreign relations.
From a different perspective, Russia was not a major economic giant in Africa compared to Western and European countries and China. Because of this historical fact, Africans have little interest in studying the Russian language and culture. The Russian language itself does not seem attractive in terms of its economic opportunities, hence Africans prefer to study languages that easily provide golden opportunities. Russia seems out of touch with development issues in Africa, being mentioned only in limited areas such as supplies of weapons and military equipment to French-speaking West Africa. China is making huge contributions to the continent, and this has made Africans see the need to understand the language in order to better interact with them and maintain long-term friendship.
Likewise, academic research indicates that there are more Chinese Confucius Institutes, equivalent to the Russky Mir Institute, in Africa. Nowadays, China is seen as a strong strategic partner in Africa due to its strong footprint in various economic sectors. China has more than 20 Confucius Centers and Party schools in Africa. Western, European, and Asian countries, for example China, constantly support civil society, youth programs, and women’s issues, which are completely on Russia’s radar.
The Russian authorities are striving to find effective ways to market the country’s language abroad by establishing language centers, for example in Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa currently operating in Africa. The Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Mali declared Russian as a second language, to be studied compulsorily in national schools and as a directed strategy to strengthen cultural cooperation with Russia. It is also envisaged to overcome social inequality and engage youth in sustainable economic development in those African countries.
In June 2001, the Russky Mir Foundation was established by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore the Russian cultural image, promote the Russian language and literature abroad, and its activities (operations) are financed within the framework of special state budget allocations approved by the Duma. (The House of Representatives of Parliament) and the Federation Council.
Historical reports on the opening of Russian language centers show that, for a few years (2021 to 2023), “Russia House”, the newest NGO, has now designed a large-scale educational project entitled “Russian Distant in Africa” which consists of free teaching Russian language courses. Intensive and professional development seminars. The co-organizers are the Institute of Russian Language and Culture (IRLAiK) of Moscow State University and the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Tanzania. But sources indicate that Russian as a foreign language began last summer in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Mauritius and Madagascar.
As Russky Mir mentioned, for teachers who teach Russian as a foreign language, Moscow State University usually organizes training for teachers from East African countries. It was also decided to hold a video conference in the field of tourism. But the important point is that the Russian authorities have to address the fundamental issue of managing travel and exchange programs for Russian learners, and increasing the number of foreign trips (alternatively referred to as study tours) including for the purposes of learning Russian in the Russian Federation.
The importance of the new Russian-African educational and cultural relations saw a special forum held in June 2023 under the title “Shaping the Future” exclusively for education ministers from more than 30 countries. It served as a platform – show business as always with little impact – to exchange educational ideas on cooperation in the field of education.
Observers point out that achieving geopolitical and cultural goals in Africa requires well-defined approaches and strategies. That Russia and Africa should have more and more youth exchanges. Representatives of African countries, as part of the New Generation Programme, undergo frequent trips to Russia to participate in short-term programs designed for young people from political, public, scientific and business circles to get acquainted with the people, city landscapes and interesting cultural sites of the Russian Federation.
Overall, it is time for Africans to find their own cultural solutions. This is true with regard to the analysis of contemporary relations between Russia and African countries. Of course, Africans can also take advantage of contradictions in geopolitical processes to gain advantageous offers available from foreign players. There is no doubt that Africans have waited for Russia’s pledges and promises, and many agreements remain unimplemented in the cultural and educational fields. Africans have long expressed their full readiness to facilitate practical work with Russia. It is time for Russia to act. This sounds great, doesn’t it?
At the July plenary session in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “We propose the possibility of opening schools in Africa with a series of subjects taught in the Russian language. Implementing projects such as studying the Russian language and introducing higher schools in Russia.” Educational standards will create the best basis for equal cooperation.”
According to Putin, a project has been launched in 28 African countries to create open educational centers for training teachers and teachers in children’s pre-school institutions, as well as primary and secondary schools. “In order to do this, we plan to significantly increase the number of African students at Russian pedagogical universities,” he noted in his late July 2023 speech. “We call on our African partners to join this endeavour.”
However, we have to keep in mind that Africa has the fastest growing population in the world. More than 50% of people living in Africa are under 26 years of age. At the same time, providing these young people with modern technology in addition to the Russian language, would strategically contribute to developing their entrepreneurial and leadership qualities, while at the same time building unique bridges for future dynamic cooperation between Africa and Russia.
In conclusion, it is especially important to remember the need to invest in establishing future partnerships. The Russian language can also give an additional dimension, show the road map to Africa, and define the shift in geopolitical relations. The joint declarations, in both Sochi and St. Petersburg, indicated that the authorities would step back from the approach of absolute hesitation…to take important new steps forward as well as actively engage in meaningful cooperation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Written by Kester Ken Clomejah
Despite the growing interest in learning the Russian language in Africa, the benefits of doing so remain unclear for many African learners. While some argue that learning Russian can open up new opportunities in areas such as trade, diplomacy, and international relations, others question whether it is worth the time and effort. With the increasing globalization of the world, the relevance and advantages of learning Russian for African learners is a topic that continues to spark debate and discussion. This article will explore the potential benefits of learning Russian for African learners and provide insight into the reasons behind the growing interest in the language.