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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The end of Swahilization for post-primary education in Tanzania?
Author:Mwansoko, H.J.M.ISNI
Year:1990
Periodical:Journal of Asian and African Studies (Tokyo)
Issue:40
Pages:51-59
Language:English
Geographic term:Tanzania
Subjects:language policy
African languages
education
languages of instruction
Swahili language
Abstract:The main objective of the Tanzanian Swahilization programme was to develop the language to such an extent that it would be used for postprimary teaching purposes. The need to extend Swahili beyond lower primary schools came about as a result of the 1967 Arusha Declaration which brought about the ideology of socialism and self-reliance in Tanzania. However, although the government has from time to time desired to use Swahili as a medium for postprimary teaching, it has lacked the will to implement this desire, and from the late 1970s/early 1980s onward the government has gradually shifted from its pro-Swahilization policy for secondary and tertiary education towards a policy favouring English as a medium of instruction. In an attempt to explain the change of attitude of the government it has been suggested that, now that the country is politically united and stable, there seems to be no need to further develop Swahili for other, nonpolitically oriented uses. Another argument in favour of the use of English at postprimary levels is the fear that English might die out if it remains as a subject only. Furthermore, the change of policy might be connected with what seems to be an ideological shift within the Tanzanian leadership. Such an ideological shift, which is heavily influenced by the IMF and its international monopolistic tendencies, would favour English rather than Swahili as the medium of instruction at postprimary levels. Bibliogr., note.
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