The paper draws attention to communication in multilingual states which may be said to exist at three levels: sub-state, state, and inter-state level. Communication at the sub-state level may involve an "in-group" language or a regional one, and hence a multilingual model is required at this level. At the state level, on the other hand, there will be one or more languages, to the effect that the whole population may be involved in the "effective functioning of the nation-state". The advantages of a unilingual model as compared with a multilingual one at this level are examined, and it is suggested that for many African states, the latter model may be inevitable. At the inner-state level, a unilingual or multilingual model may be required. Where an exoglossic language is both the language of communication at inter-state and state levels, the gulf between the educated elites and the masses tends to be widened. It is suggested therefore that a realistic policy must involve a narrowing of this gap through an increasing use of the indigenous languages. (Author)