The Norwegian Mission's Literacy Work in Colonial and Independent Madagascar

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.

Ellen Vea Rosnes is Associate Professor of Global Studies and Intercultural Communication at VID Specialized University, Norway. She holds a PhD in Literacy Studies from the University of Stavanger, Norway.

1 Background 2 Literacy as Ideologically Embedded 3 Literacy Study with a Historical Perspective 4 School literacies during the Mid-Colonisation period 5 School Literacy during the Independence Period 6 Secular and Religious Literacy 7 Literacy in Whose Language? 8 Literacy and Identity 9 Conclusion References Archival Material Websites Qualitative Interviews