What were the major European powers' policies towards African languages during the Scramble for Africa?

What were the major European powers' policies towards African languages during the Scramble for Africa?

During the Scramble for Africa, the major European powers generally disregarded and undermined African languages. They imposed their own languages, primarily French, English, Portuguese, and German, as the official languages of their colonies. This policy aimed to facilitate administration, trade, and cultural assimilation. European powers also established missionary schools that promoted the use of European languages and discouraged the use of African languages. As a result, African languages faced marginalization and decline in status, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.