ABSTRACT

Offering an original historical perspective on literacy work in Africa, this book examines the role of the Norwegian Lutheran mission in Madagascar and sheds light on the motivations that drove colonizing powers’ literacy work. Focusing on both colonial and independent Madagascar, Rosnes examines how literacy practices were facilitated through mission schools and the impact on the reading and writing skills to Malagasy children and youth. Analysing how literacy work influenced identity formation and power relations in the Malagasy society, the author offers new insights into the field of language and education in Africa.

chapter 2|11 pages

Literacy as Ideologically Embedded

chapter 6|19 pages

Betafo

A Case Study of the Mission’s Literacy Work

chapter 7|22 pages

Secular and Religious Literacies

chapter 8|21 pages

Literacy in Whose Language?

chapter 9|6 pages

Conclusion