Contemporary Language Policy in Tanzania: Cui Prodest? Cui Bono?

Abstract

Contemporary Tanzania is one of the few African countries where the population speaks the indigenous language of Kiswahili, with English playing a major role as one of the two official languages. The article explores the reasons for the language policy the country has employed since independence and the key factors that determine it. Analyzing the political functions of the two languages, the author comes to the conclusion that English is perceived mostly as a means of social mobility (status value) and promotion of Tanzania’s cultural and economic diplomacy abroad (foreign policy value), while Kiswahili serves as a tool for national self-identification, communication, political participation, and unification. At the same time, the country’s policy in this field sometimes appears inconsistent as far as the proportion of language choices is concerned, which is especially evident in education. In addition to the insufficient teaching qualifications and learning resources, a stakeholder analysis reveals that a significant part of the Tanzanian elite tends to resist or even sabotage Kiswahilization, viewing English as a gateway to better employment prospects and even a way to emigrate. This viewpoint is supported by the Anglophone countries, in particular the UK, which is interested in maintaining Tanzania within the sphere of its political and economic influence. However, as the Tanzanian government’s resolve to promote Kiswahili internationally seems to be gaining ground, it is unlikely to abandon the language in the public space over the medium term. In this regard, it would be appropriate for Russia to participate in joint programs and projects with Tanzania that involve the development of Kiswahili and its promotion in other African countries.

Keywords

• tanzania
• east africa
• language policy
• political functions of language
• kiswahili
• mendelow’s matrix
• stakeholders