English in the Developing World
In developmental contexts, we need to understand the tensions between the old models of power that saw the imposition of English, the emerging dynamics created by globalisation and the complex factors that constitute people's choices. This requires understanding the full implications of English provision across political, economic
and socio-cultural spheres. This project sets out to understand, and explore fully these complex relationships and identify the full potential of the language in development.
and socio-cultural spheres. This project sets out to understand, and explore fully these complex relationships and identify the full potential of the language in development.
Kiswahili as a medium of instruction in Tanzania
at 9:42am on Wednesday, 16th May 2007
The Tanzanian Parliament has recently debated the idea of English or Kiswahili as the medium of instruction in the entire system of education.
This article by Prof. Issa Mcholo Omarimakes the case for English suggesting that 'some arguments reflect naivety and absolute levels of absurdity while some have at least either some logic or evidence. Some, on the other hand, reflect purely vested interest, or the holier than though tendencies of those committed to the cultural romanticism argument, which says; "We are not fully independent and culturally free if we do not use our national language". But this is an antiquated argument of the 1960s and 1970s'.
Prof. Omarimakes arguments run against the currents of some debates that are currently going on in relation to the English langauge in development. As our work here progresses, we'll investigate both sides of this argument.
This article by Prof. Issa Mcholo Omarimakes the case for English suggesting that 'some arguments reflect naivety and absolute levels of absurdity while some have at least either some logic or evidence. Some, on the other hand, reflect purely vested interest, or the holier than though tendencies of those committed to the cultural romanticism argument, which says; "We are not fully independent and culturally free if we do not use our national language". But this is an antiquated argument of the 1960s and 1970s'.
Prof. Omarimakes arguments run against the currents of some debates that are currently going on in relation to the English langauge in development. As our work here progresses, we'll investigate both sides of this argument.
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