Language Politics, Monolingual Ethos and Linguistic Pluralism in Ethiopia: Lesson from Wollo Oromo

Shimellis Hailu,Negash Abebe

doi:10.11648/j.ipa.20200401.12

Abstract

This study examines the effects of post 1991 Ethiopian language policy on Wollo Oromo. Specifically, the study discusses language politics, monolingual ethos and linguistic pluralism in Ethiopia by focusing on Wollo Oromo. To realize the objectives of the study, the researchers employed both qualitative and quantitative research approach (mixed), which enabled the researchers to explore the socio-economic significance of multilingual policy and challenges in the study community. In this study, both primary and secondary data collection techniques were used. The primary sources of data were collected via interviews, Focus Group Discussion and Questionnaires. Finally, both the secondary and primary data were organized thematically and analyzed just to increase the consistency and strength of the finding of the study. Besides, the quantitative data is analyzed using SPSS version 20. Based on this, the researchers reach upon the following finding; the finding prevail that multilingual policy is significant for local socio-economic development, exploration of local knowledge and innovation. The finding also prevail that learning in mother tongue enhances children learning capacity. The overall data shows that the Oromo nationality zone people are happy with the current multilingual language policy. Nevertheless, the policy implementation is not free from challenges. Among others the implementation of multilingual language policy is challenged by monolingual ethos, politicization of language, lack of understanding and misconception of parents about the use of learning in mother language, attitudes toward local languages and lack of enough materials and teachers for the teaching of this language. Hence, there is the need to depoliticize language and have comprehensive language academy, which develop comprehensive curriculum and create awareness about significances of multilingualism.

Highlights

In the historical continuum that informs, as described by TeshaleTibebu, cited in Keller, the making and remaking of modern Ethiopia, the second half of the 19th century was shaped by the wars of incorporation and state formation on unequal terms
Ethiopia is one of the linguistic diverse nations in Africa. It harbors more than eighty languages within its geopolitical boundary. This linguistically diverse nature of Ethiopia is part of the reason why the issue of language policy has been so contentious in Ethiopian history
Languages are strongly linked to politics in Ethiopia

Summary

Introduction

In the historical continuum that informs, as described by TeshaleTibebu, cited in Keller, the making and remaking of modern Ethiopia, the second half of the 19th century was shaped by the wars of incorporation and state formation on unequal terms. Since the making of Ethiopia in 19th Century, Ethiopia becomes a multilingual, multiethnic and cultural pluralist country. All, it is never colonized while almost all African countries were colonized. Ethiopia’s language use policy had not been the reflection of this diversity and historical autonomy. In those days of the introduction of modern education into Ethiopia, the medium of instruction used to be foreign language. The first modern formal school in Ethiopia, Menelik II School, was primarily

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Conclusion