A Look into Early Literacy Learning through Swahili in Rural Tanzania

Mapunda, Gastor

ISBN 10: 3659389919 / ISBN 13: 9783659389917

Published by VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG, 2013

About this Item

Print on Demand pp. 264 2:B&W 6 x 9 in or 229 x 152 mm Perfect Bound on Creme w/Gloss Lam.

Seller Inventory # 131743049

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Look into Early Literacy Learning through Swahili in Rural Tanzania
• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3659389919
• ISBN 13: 9783659389917
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In Tanzania there are at least three clusters of languages: Kiswahili which is one of the two official languages, which is a local lingua franca (receiving institutional protection and support), English which is the other official language (also receiving institutional protection and support), and ethnic community languages, amounting to 150 (not receiving institutional protection or support). The language policy on the medium of instruction designates Kiswahili an exclusive role of the medium of instruction throughout public primary schools. However, the fact is, in remote rural areas of Tanzania Kiswahili is rarely used. The literacy situation in primary schools in such locales, particularly in beginner classes, is pathetic as pupils cannot interact with their teachers in the classrooms. As a result there is almost no learning. In turn, generalised policies, only serve the role of gate-keeping. The current work presents lessons from two linguistically different contexts in Tanzania, showing how the medium of instruction can have significant impact on an educational system.

About the Author

Gastor Mapunda, BA(Ed)(Lings),MA (Lings), PhD. Studied English and Linguistics at UDSM (Tanzania) and Bristol (UK). Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Has taught English and Communication Skills in Secondary Schools and Institutions of Higher Learning in Tanzania. He is interested in Applied Linguistics and Sociolinguistics.