Bilingual education: meeting the challenges of diversity and change in Botswana

Abstract

This paper reviews the role of language in addressing issues of instruction and
diversity towards the achievement of the aims of basic education in Botswana. It
also examines the role of indigenous languages in instruction in promoting and
sustaining national educational goals as well as the development of a functional
citizen. It further reviews the Botswana language in education policy and its
implementation. The failures, inconsistencies between policy and practice, and real
obstacles are discussed. The need for compromise in the implementation of mother
tongue instruction and its implications for literacy are discussed. Finally, suggestions
for implementation of mother tongue instruction and model are outlined to ensure
that government responds to the needs of her citizens, in the continuous efforts at
mobilizing the people for national unity and sustainable development

Keywords: Language, Policy, Mother Tongue, Instruction, Bilingual Education,
Sustainable Development

Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa Vol. 1 (2) 2009: pp. 129-142