What is language policy in Zambia?

The language policy differs substantially between the three countries. In Zambia the language of instruction is English from grade 1. However, since the new education act in 1996 the language for initial literacy is one of seven official Zambian languages.

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What are the 72 languages in Zambia?

The established languages of Zambia are:

Afrikaans.
Aushi.
Bemba.
Bwile.
Chichewa.
Chokwe.
Congo Swahili.
English.

Why was English chosen as an official language in Zambia?

Following the belief that “one nation equals one language,” Zambians adopted English as their only official language. Although Zambia has identified seven national languages, English still remains the official language and was the only language recognized in the 1991 Constitution.

What is the importance of language policy?

It is critically important to develop language policies that ensure the access of minority populations to prestigious forms of national standard languages and literacies while supporting the intergenerational retention of minority languages, both indigenous and immigrant languages.

What is language policy in Zambia before independence?

During the pre-colonial and colonial eras, the language strategy was clear and straight forward as it tilted towards the local Zambian languages. After independence, there was a shift in strategy. The Government of the new Republic of Zambia tended to favors English rather than the indigenous languages.

How many official languages are in Zambia?

Seven
Seven of these are officially recognized as Zambia’s regional languages: Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Kaonde, Luvale, and Lunda.

What is the best language in Zambia?

5 Most Popular Languages In Zambia

Nyanja – 14.8 % Nyanja, is a Bantu language spoken Zambia but also Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Tonga – 11.4 %
Lozi – 5.5 %
Chewa – 4.5 %

Does Zambia use British English?

The Official Language of Zambia During its time as a British colony, English became the official language of the country, used in government, business, and education. English continues to be the official language of Zambia today.

What are the major goals of a language policy?

The objectives of the policy respond to local community needs, interests, and concerns. promote the development and implementation of educationally sound programs for language learners (ELLs and/or English speakers) that deliver valid and reliable results.

What is meant by language policy?

According to Kaplan and Baldauf (1997), “A language policy is a body of ideas, laws, regulations, rules and practices intended to achieve the planned language change in the societies, group or system” (p. xi).

What are the 73 languages in Zambia?

Zambia’s total number of languages spoken is 73. Nyanja is also commonly called Chewa, Chichewa, and Chinyanja….Description

Bemba – Northern Province, Luapula, Muchinga, Copperbelt.
Nyanja – NyanjaLusaka.
Lozi – Western Province.
Tonga and Lozi – Southern Province.
Kaonde, Luvale, and Lunda – Northwestern Province.

What is God in Zambian language?

“Lesa means God in Bemba language of Zambia.

Do Zambians speak French?

Zambia’s official language is English, but there are more than 70 different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Almost everyone will speak or understand some English and most Zambians living in the urban centres speak it fluently.

Do they speak Zulu in Zambia?

Malawian Zulus, called “Ngoni.” They speak and practice Zulu language and culture and trace their origins to KwaZulu Natal. We all know of Ndebele People (Zimbabwean Zulus), but Zulus are found throughout East Africa, in countries like Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, even as far as Tanzania.

What are the 5 stages of language planning?

Formulation, Codification, Elaboration, Implementation.

What are the four layers of language policy?

Four major types of language planning are status planning (about the social standing of a language), corpus planning (the structure of a language), language-in-education planning (learning), and prestige planning (image).

What are the 3 types of language planning?

Language planning has been divided into three types:

Status planning.
Corpus planning.
Acquisition planning.

How do you say my love in Bemba?

So here goes:

English Bemba.
Look Mona.
My rose We nsalankwale yandi.
My Lily We cananika candi.
I am yours Ndi obe.
You are mine Uli wandi.
Embrace me Mfukatila.
It is you my heart loves Niwe umutima wandi watemwa.

What are the 7 regional languages of Zambia?

Regional Languages of Zambia. In addition to the English language, the government of Zambia also recognizes 7 official regional languages. These regional languages include: Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Kaonde, and Luvale. As regional languages, they are taught in the public school system at the primary level, depending on the region.

What is the lingua franca in Zambia?

An urban variety of Nyanja is the lingua franca of the capital Lusaka and is widely spoken as a second language throughout Zambia. Bemba, the country’s largest indigenous language, also serves as a lingua franca is some areas. English, the former colonial language, serves as a common language among educated Zambians.

Do they speak English in Zambia?

Almost everyone will speak or understand some English and most Zambians living in the urban centres speak it fluently. Signs and official documentation are almost always in English and/or Bemba and Nyanja, the country’s two most widely spoken local languages.

How many people speak Bemba in Zambia?

Bemba is spoken by more than two million Zambians and is used frequently in education and administration. Nyanja, a Bantu language spoken by approximately one million Zambians, is also prominent in major centres, especially Lusaka and Livingstone.