Cover not available

In:Ugandan English: Its sociolinguistics, structure and uses in a globalising post-protectorate
Edited by Christiane Meierkord, Bebwa Isingoma and Saudah Namyalo
[Varieties of English Around the World G59] 2016
► pp. 95–118

Get fulltext from our e-platform
JBE logo with link
PDF logo with download linkDownload Book PDF
authorization required

Tensions between English medium and mother tongue education in rural Ugandan primary schools

An ethnographic investigation

Published online: 20 October 2016
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/veaw.g59.05sse
This chapter focuses on how teachers understand and manage the transition from mother tongue education to English medium education in Uganda. It seeks to investigate how teachers employ English and the mother tongue in the teaching and learning process. The findings reveal that government and private schools in Uganda implement the current language policy in different ways, creating different environments for the exposure of the learners to the English language. Moreover, teachers in the two sets of schools hold different views and engage in varying practices in the teaching and learning of English.
References (58)
References
Abdulaziz, M.H. 2003. The history of language policy in Africa with reference to language choice in education. In Towards a Multilingual Culture of Education, A. Ouane (ed.), 103–112. Hamburg: UNESCO Institute for Education.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Altinyelken, H.K. 2010. Curriculum change in Uganda: Teacher perspectives on the new thematic curriculum. International Journal of Educational Development 30(2): 151–161. .Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Arthur, J. 1996. Codeswitching and collusion: Classroom interaction in Botswana primary schools. Linguistics and Education 8: 17–33. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Atkinson, D. 1987. Mother tongue in the classroom: A neglected resource? ELT Journal 41(4): 241–247. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Bamgbose, A. 1983. Education in indigenous languages: The West African model of language education. The Journal of Negro Education 52(1): 57–64. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 1999. African language development and language planning. Social Dynamics 25(1): 13–30. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2004. Language of instruction policy and practice in Africa. Dakar, Senegal: UNESCO Regional Office for Education in Africa. <[URL]> (20 March 2013).
Benson, C. 2008a. Common themes and areas for further work: Questions, answers and aemaining issues. In Improving the Quality of Mother Tongue-Based Literacy and Learning: Case Studies from Asia, Africa and South America, C. Haddad (ed.), 182–183. Bangkok: Unesco Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2008b. Mother tongue-based education in multilingual contexts. In Improving the Quality of Mother Tongue-Based Literacy and Learning: Case studies from Asia, Africa and South America, C. Haddad (ed.), 2–1. Bangkok: Unesco Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Bryman, A. 2012. Social Research Methods, 4th edn. Oxford: OUP.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Canagarajah, A.S. 2011. Diaspora communities, language maintenance, and policy dilemma. In Ethnography and Language Policy, T.L. McCarty (ed), 77–97. London: Routledge.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Chimbutane, F. 2011. Rethinking Bilingual Education in Postcolonial Contexts. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Creswell, J.W. & Clark, V.L.P. 2007. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Los Angeles CA: Sage Publications.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cummins, J. 2000. Putting language proficiency in its place: Responding to critiques of the conversational/ academic language distinction. In English in Europe: The Acquisition of a Third Language, J. Cenoz & U. Jessner (eds), 54–83. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2007. Rethinking monolingual instructional strategies in multilingual classrooms. Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics (CJAL) 10(2): 221–240.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Denscombe, M. 2008. Communities of practice: A research paradigm for the mixed methods approach. Mixed Methods Research 2(3): 270–283. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Dutcher, N. 1997. The use of the first and second languages in education: A review of international experience. Pacific Islands Discussion Paper Series 1. Washington DC: The Worldbank. <[URL]> (5 October 2013).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ejuu, G. 2012. The Status of Implementation of the Education Sector Early Childhood Development Policy in Uganda. Kampala: Ministry of Education and Sports.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Government of Uganda. 1992. Government White Paper on the Implementation of the Recommendation of the Report of Education Review Commission. Kampala: Uganda Government.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Heugh, K., Benson, C., Bogale, B., & Yohannes, M.A.G. 2007. Final Report Study on Medium of Instruction in Primary Schools in Ethiopia. Washington DC: MLB-MTE Network. <[URL]> (12 March 2013).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hornberger, N.H & Johnson, D.C. 2011. The ethnography of language policy. In Ethnography and Language Policy, T.L. McCarty (ed), 274–289. London: Routledge.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Jegede, O. 2011. Codeswitching and its implications for teaching mathematics in primary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice 2(10): 41–54.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Johnson, D.C. 2009. Ethnography of language policy. Language Policy 8(2): 139–159. .Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kisembo, A. 2008. Thematic curriculum and local languages policy: Achievements and challenges. A paper presented at annual regional assembly on education and sports sector at Lake View Hotel Mbarara. In Theme: Striving to Deliver Quality Education and Sports “Child to Child” in Uganda , 1–7. Mbarara: Ministry of Education and Sports.
Lasebikan, E.L., Ismagilova, R. & Hurel, R. 1964. Report of the Study on the Use of the Mother Tongue and the Preparation of Alphabets for Literacy. Ibadan: UNESCO. <[URL]> (2 March 2013).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Lewis, M.P., Gary F.S. & Fennig, C.D. (eds) 2015. Ethnologue: Languages of the World. <[URL]> (25 November 2015).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Manyak, P.C. 2004. “What did she say?” Translation in a primary-grade English immersion class. Multicultural Perspectives 6(1): 12–18. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2008. What’s your news? Portraits of a rich language and literacy activity for English-language learners. The Reading Teacher 61(6): 450–458. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Martin-Jones, M. 2011. Languages, texts, and literacy practices: An ethnographic lens on bilingual vocational education in Wales. In Ethnography and Language Policy, T.L. McCarthy (ed.), 232–253. London: Routledge.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
McLaughlin, B. 1992. Myths and misconceptions about second language learning: What every teacher needs to unlearn. Educational Practice Report 5. Santa Cruz, CA: National Center for Research on Cultural Diversity and Second Language Learning. <[URL]> (16 November 2013).
Ministry of Education and Sports. 2004. Ministry of Education and Sports Education Sector Strategic Plan 2004–2015. Kampala: Ministry of Education and Sports.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2008a. Ministry of Education and Sports Draft Revised Education Sector Strategic Plan 2007–2015. Kampala, Uganda: Ministry of Education and Sports.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2008b. The Education and Sports Sector Annual Performance Report (ESSAPR) Covering Financial Year 2007/08. Kampala: Ministry of Education and Sports.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Nakayiza, J. 2012. The Sociolinguistics of Multilingualism in Uganda: A Case Study of the Official and Non-official Language Policy, Planning and Management of Luruuri-Lunyara and Luganda. PhD dissertation, University of London.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Nankindu, P. 2015. Contesting language choices in Uganda: English as a high value language. In The Changing Roles of English in Eastern Africa, M. Michieka & Y. Elhindi (eds), 58–77. Champaign IL: Common Ground Publishing.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). 2007a. The National Primary School Curriculum for Uganda: Teachers’ Guide P2, Terms I, II & III. Kampala: National Curriculum Development Centre.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2007b. The National Primary School Curriculum for Uganda: Teachers’ Guide, Primary 1. Kampala: National Curriculum Development Centre.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ndlovu, E. 2013. Mother Tongue Education in Official Minority Languages of Zimbabwe: A Language Management Critique. PhD dissertation, The University of the Free State. <[URL]> (18 September 2013).
Nyaga, S.K. 2013. Managing Linguistic Diversity in Literacy and Language Development: An Analysis of Teachers’ Attitudes, Skills and Strategies in Multilingual Classrooms in Kenyan Primary Schools. PhD dissertation, Stellenbosch University. <[URL]> (12 April 2014).
Piper, B. & Miksick, E. 2011. Mother tongue and reading: Using Early Grade Reading Assessments to investigate language-of-instruction policy in East Africa. In The Early Grade Reading Assessment: Applications and Interventions to Improve Basic Literacy, A. Gove & A. Wetterberg (eds), 139–182. Durham NC: Research Triangle Institute Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Read, T. & Enyutu, S. 2004. The Uganda Primary Curriculum Review Road Map: For the Implementation of the Curriculum Reforms Recommended by the Primary Curriculum Review Report and Approved by the Ministry of of Education and Sports. Kampala: Uganda.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Rihane, W.M. 2015. British colonialism and its linguistic consequences. <[URL]> (17 March 2015).
Rosendal, T. 2010. Linguistic Landshapes: A Comparison of Official and Non-Official Language Management in Rwanda and Uganda, Focusing on the Position of African Languages. PhD dissertation, Univesity of Gothenburg.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Saldaña, J. (2009). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. London: Sage. <[URL]> (19 March 2014).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Shoba, J.A. & Chimbutane, F. 2013. Bilingual Education and Language Policy in the Global South. New York NY: Routledge.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Shohamy, E. 2006. Language Policy: Hidden Agendas and New Approaches. New York NY: Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ssekamwa, J.C. 2000. History and Development of Education in Uganda, 2nd edn. Kampala: Fountain Publishers.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ssentanda, M.E. 2013. Exploring connections: Reflections on mother-tongue education in postcolonial Uganda. Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics Plus 42: 281–296. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
. 2014. “Have policy makers erred?” Implications of mother tongue education for pre-primary schooling in Uganda. Per Linguam 30(33): 53–68. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Stroud, C. 2002. Towards a Policy for Bilingual Education in Developing Countries. Stockholm: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Swain, M. 1993. The output hypothesis: Just speaking and writing aren’t enough. Canadian Modern Language Review 50(1): 158–164.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Tembe, J. & Norton, B. 2008. Promoting local languages in Ugandan primary schools: The community as stakeholder. The Canadian Modern Language Review 65(1): 33–60. .Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
The Government of Uganda. 2005. The Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2005. Kampala: Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Tumwebaze, S.K. 2012. Implementation Strategy for Advocacy of Local Languages in Uganda. Kampala: Literacy and Adult Basic Education (LABE). <[URL]> (28 January 2016).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Uganda Child Rights NGO Network. 2006. Hope Amidst Obstacles: The State of Nursery Education in Uganda. The Neglected Critical First Step in Broader Development. Kampala: Uganda Child Rights Ngo Network.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Uwezo. 2010. Are our children learning? Annual learning assessment report 2010. Kampala: Uwezo Uganda. <[URL]> (12 March 2013).
. 2011. Are our children learning? Annual learning assessment report 2011. Kampala: Uwezo Uganda. <[URL]> (12 March 2013).
. 2012. Are our children learning? Literacy and numeracy across East Africa. Nairobi: Uwezo Kenya. <[URL]> (12 March 2013).
Cited by (8)

Cited by eight other publications

Isingoma, Bebwa
2025. Ugandan English. In The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of World Englishes, ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo
Iipinge, Kristof & Kate Huddlestone
2023. English lingua franca as a language of learning and teaching in northern Namibia: A report on Oshiwambo teachers' experiences. Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 41:3 ► pp. 280 ff. DOI logo
Ssentanda, Medadi E
2022. Which language(s) matter(s) the most? Exploring the ‘schoolscapes’ of rural primary schools in Uganda. South African Journal of African Languages 42:1 ► pp. 17 ff. DOI logo
Clément, Richard & Bonny Norton
2021. Ethnolinguistic Vitality, Identity and Power: Investment in SLA. Journal of Language and Social Psychology 40:1 ► pp. 154 ff. DOI logo
Ssentanda, Medadi & Allen Asiimwe
2020. Challenges to the Acquisition of Literacy in Rural Primary Schools in Northern Uganda. Language Matters 51:1 ► pp. 38 ff. DOI logo
Isingoma, Bebwa & Christiane Meierkord
2019. Capturing the lexicon of Ugandan English. In Corpus Linguistics and African Englishes [Studies in Corpus Linguistics, 88], ► pp. 293 ff. DOI logo
Meierkord, Christiane
2019. The Global Growth of English at the Grassroots. In The Cambridge Handbook of World Englishes, ► pp. 311 ff. DOI logo
Stranger-Johannessen, Espen & Bonny Norton
2019. Promoting Early Literacy and Student Investment in the African Storybook. Journal of Language, Identity & Education 18:6 ► pp. 400 ff. DOI logo

This list is based on CrossRef data as of 22 november 2025. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.

Mobile Menu Logo with link to supplementary files background Layer 1 prag Twitter_Logo_Blue