Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

How do we examine the potential for rewriting South African writing systems within the framework of decolonizing design? Drawing upon Dori Tunstall’s (2023) “Decolonizing Design”, Amollo Ambole’s (2020) “Rethinking Design Making and Design thinking in Africa”, and Million Meshesha’s (2008) “Indigenous Scripts of African Languages”, this study explores the need to challenge and transform colonial legacies embedded in writing systems within the South African context, but also contribute to the ongoing discourse on decolonization of the African design education system, by examining the transformative potential of reimagining and revitalizing indigenous writing systems. Tunstall’s (2023) work on decolonizing design highlights the importance of acknowledging and dismantling the power structures perpetuated by Western-centric design practices. By critically engaging with existing writing systems on the African continent, South Africa has the opportunity to challenge the dominance of western scripts and redefine its own linguistic and cultural narratives. Ambole’s (2020) perspective on design making and design thinking in Africa emphasizes the significance of local contexts, cultures and languages in design processes. Building upon this approach, rewriting South African writing systems necessitates a deep understanding of the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of the country. Ultimately this research seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts of decolonization in South Africa by challenging the existing hegemony of writing systems and fostering a more inclusive, culturally rooted and empowering linguistic landscape, through the process of design and design thinking. The proposals, designs and research may inform future initiatives aimed at reimagining writing systems in Africa, paving the way for a more inclusive, culturally grounded approach to communication and knowledge representation.