Functions of code-switching in a multilingual classroom

Abstract

The language situation in Kenya is complex. The population is comprised of Africans (99.1%), Asians (0.4%), Europeans (0.2%), Arabs (0.2%), and others (0.1%) - (Kenya Statistical Abstract 1995:19). The forty odd indigenous languages spoken in Kenya are classified into three linguistic family groups: the Bantu, the Nilotes and the Cushitic groups (Abdulaziz, 1982). In addition to these there is the official language, English, which is also the medium of instruction at all levels of education, and Kiswahili which was declared the National language in 1974 (Abdulaziz 1982). The status of Kiswahili was further enhanced when it was made a compulsory examinable subject in primary schools, secondary schools and in teacher training institutes in 1985. Thus those who go through the Kenyan education system can speak at least two languages, namely, English, and Kiswahili which are compulsory subjects in the education system. In the majority of the cases, the speakers can also use one local language in addition to Kiswahili and English. This was the case with our respondents, thus the term multilingual speakers. Journal of Language, Technology and Entrepreneurship in Africa Vol. 1 (1) 2007 pp. 34-37