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