ERIC Number: ED276268
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1985-Jul-17
Pages: 33
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Swahili as a National Language in East Africa.
Merritt, Marilyn; Abdulaziz, Mohamed H.
The historical background and the current status of Swahili in Kenya and Tanzania, where it is designated as the national language, and in Uganda, where it has assumed a less prominent role, are described. Major factors contributing to the selection of national languages in the region are presented. The ways both linguistic and sociopolitical features influence a language's viability as the national language, especially in a heavily multilingual, multicultural setting are analyzed. The discussion focuses on the ongoing competition between languages in different domains and the complexity of language choice for individual speakers. Changes occurring in Swahili's internal development and patterns of use are also examined in this context. (MSE)
Descriptors: Cultural Pluralism, Developing Nations, Diachronic Linguistics, Foreign Countries, Geographic Distribution, Language Role, Language Usage, Language Variation, Multilingualism, Official Languages, Political Influences, Public Policy, Sociocultural Patterns, Swahili, Uncommonly Taught Languages
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Historical Materials; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Africa; Kenya; Tanzania; Uganda
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Author Affiliations: N/A