The theme of this book cuts across disciplines. Contributors to this volume are specialized in education and especially classroom research as well as in linguistics, most being transdisciplinary themselves. Around 65 sub-Saharan languages figure in this volume as research objects: as means of instruction, in connection with teacher training,…

It is argued that African countries need both local and foreign languages and that the roles of these languages are complementary. An African language can become official and national, and a medium of instruction; the choice is determined by political and socioeconomic factors. (21 references) (Author/LB)

Kenyatta's 1974 decree proclaiming Swahili as the national language of Kenya is discussed with reference to questions of feasibility and expediency. (Author/RM)

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,…

Outlines the various uses of English, explains the problems of teaching it, and then concludes with suggestions based on situation factors relevant to English language instruction in West Africa. (FB)

A study of language attitudes in Sub-Saharan Africa, an area of 45 countries and over 1,700 languages, attempts to: (1) pinpoint attitudinal patterns towards European and indigenous languages; (2) give these attitudes historical perspective; (3) identify attitudes toward language use in education; (4) encourage language research on attitudes in…

This book examines the phenomenon of multilingualism in West Africa from a historical, social, and environmental perspective. Chapter 1 explains why the catalogue of African languages established by linguists is not reliable for assessing the linguistic diversity of the region. It also discusses studies that show that the linguistic behavior in…

A collection of papers addresses three aspects of the learning and use of French as a second language in Africa. The first two chapters look at the sociolinguistic dimension; the first examines the language question and language consciousness in parts of Africa where French was once or is still used as an official or "second" language.…

Explores the historical, political and socioeconomic contexts within which African children acquire their education in a major international language. Maintains that while such languages assist in the transfer of science and technology, compared to native languages, they are limited in their capacity to serve indigenous educational objectives.…