Raising the Status of African Languages

Abstract

English has enjoyed dominance over all African Languages as it has been made the medium of instruction in education as well as an international language. The justification for this is that in multi-lingual societies English acts as (lingua franca) a neutral and unifying language to be used by all. Education and knowledge have been equated with English. However, some African countries like Tanzania have used her indigenous language (Kiswahili) as medium of instruction in the education system. Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) in particular, has Ndebele, Shona, Shangani and Tshivenda taught in their indigenous languages. Ndebele and Shona together with English have been made national as well as official languages. Efforts have been made in some African languages to promote the preservation of the peoples' identity and cultural values through the use of their indigenous languages in education to raise their status. The research was conducted through interviews carried out with students doing degrees in indigenous languages. The findings are that although there is an attempt to deflect from heavily relying on the use of English Language, it is difficult to do without it completely as most technological terminology originates from English. A coinage of terms or phonologisation of English terms takes place as well. African countries should come up with language policies that promote the use of African languages in education and public life.