African continent’s native languages get neglected. See why

Although the African continent contains over 2,000 languages and a rich cultural and linguistic variety, the subject of the language of learning and teaching at all levels of education remains a difficult problem. Only 25% African languages are taught in secondary schools across the continent, and only 5% are taught in higher education (UNESCO, 2010).

Similar tendencies and issues exist in South Africa, where language practices in primary and secondary schools continue to reflect colonial and apartheid legacies. Even though South Africa is a multilingual country with 11 official languages, this is the case.

While the Constitution promotes language equality and equity in education, students' access to curricula and learning tools other than English and Afrikaans remains limited in practice. This is problematic not only because it produces young people, who are unable to read and write in their native languages, exacerbating the stigmatization of African languages in education but also because it hurts achievement and dropout rates.

Central position

Since their home languages are rarely employed in teaching and learning, these percentages are greater among black students, who struggle with writing academic papers and understanding terminology in their fields of study. Public universities are increasingly important in molding society as a whole; they are significant change agents in response to national agendas.

FAQs:

1. Who is Tawane Kupe?
   Tawana Kupe is a South African-Zimbabwean intellectual. He is the vice-chancellor of the South Africa's University of Pretoria.
2. What does UNESCO stand for?
   The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a United Nations agency that promotes peace through international cooperation in education, science and culture.