The place of the English language in contemporary Africa is changing. English has spread rapidly, but, at the same time, the indigenous languages have remained and have grown in strength because of an increase in population and an awakening of national consciousness. A developing country must have a national language, whether English or native, to achieve (1) national unity, (2) contacts with other nations, and (3) an effective educational system. Due to contacts with English-speaking countries and the information available in English-language books and journals, over a dozen African nations have adopted English as the major language or as a second language. The future educational and economic growth of many parts of Africa may lie in the ability of the citizens to master English thoroughly. The imposition of a new language, however, must be handled carefully, for the language native to a particular group seems to symbolize the distinctiveness of the group; its history, traditions, rituals, and politics are preserved in the richness of the language. The full expression of the African personality may require that a delicate balance be maintained between the vernacular and English. (LH)