QUESTION: Should we use English or Kiswahili as language of instruction for Primary and Secondary schools in Tanzania?

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RESPONSE: 
REASON
Dear, #EnglishBitByBit members, this question has been dabeted countless times by various educational stakeholders including famous linguists of this country and abroad. I also remember that AT the University we were asked to present a paper on this topic, and numbers didn't lie. Many students supported Kiswahili. The main reason has always been 'the content can well be delivered to students if they are in his/her own (developed) language'. And Kiswahili is one of African languages that has been well documented and developed. On top of that, Kiswahili has recently been gaining various promotions in Africa and abroad.

WHAT SHOULD ENGLISH TEACHERS DO?
Here, English teachers has to teach English Language step by step from Kindergarten to Secondary schools. In fact, when Kiswahili gets this rank as language of instruction, English Language will obviously remain as a separate subject which should be taught systematically.

That's why, current syllabus is competence based because it aims at allowing teachers to use more student-centred approaches. Some of the new approaches in teaching English are:
- Student - centred activities
- More life related and locally produced learning resources.
- More exercises

Comments

  1. GODONI YOHANA BAYALIMOFebruary 29, 2020 at 11:45 AM

    You have presented the outlook of many people.What is your general opinion on the topic,are you for english or for Kiswahili?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Emmanuel KacheleFebruary 29, 2020 at 12:29 PM

    I've always supported the use of Kiswahili as Language of instruction in Tanzania. However, I've always suggested the sufficient investment in English Language Teaching so as when all subjects are taught in Kiswahili, English Language will also have to be taught well with well trained teachers and enough materials like books and the like!

    ReplyDelete

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