[lg policy] South Sudan Constitution language policy

[dzo at BISHARAT.NET]

Thank you for this information. I will pass this on. 

After all the research that has shown how important first languages are for education, it would be a shame if Southern Sudan opted for an English-only instruction policy. There are several reasons that multilingual African countries have opted for monolingual (Europhone) language of education policies, but some of them are contested while others relating to resources for materials etc. are ones that donors and NGOs are involved in one way or another. In any event, the cost of educating all children only in a second language is probably quite high in the long term - both for individuals and for development of their societies. 

Don Osborn

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold Schiffman <hfsclpp at gmail.com>
Sender: lgpolicy-list-bounces at groups.sas.upenn.edu
Date: Sun, 29 May 2011 15:35:25 
To: lp<lgpolicy-list at groups.sas.upenn.edu>
Reply-To: Language Policy List <lgpolicy-list at groups.sas.upenn.edu>
Subject: [lg policy] South Sudan Constitution language policy

South Sudan Constitution language policy 	

Written/Submitted by Dr. Leoma Gilley
Wednesday, 25 May 2011 00:00

Dear Friends,

It seems that the weakening of the local language policy in the new SS
constitution is of considerable concern for many language communities.
You are people in positions to do something about this, if something
needs to change.

That is your best judgment. I just wanted to make you aware of my
concern on your behalf.

"Language
6. (1) All indigenous languages of South Sudan are national languages
and shall be respected, developed and promoted.
(2) English shall be the official working language in the Republic of
South Sudan, as well as the language of instruction at all levels of
education.
(3) The State shall promote the development of a sign language for the
benefit of people with special needs."

This is significantly weaker than the current interim SS constitution
which explicitly allows for use of national languages in education.
See below:

"(1) All indigenous languages of Southern Sudan are national languages
and shall be respected, developed and promoted.
(2) English and Arabic shall be the official working languages at the
level of the governments of Southern Sudan and the States as well as
languages of instruction for higher education.
(3) There shall be no discrimination against the use of either English
or Arabic at any level of government or stage of education.
(4) Without prejudice to sub-Article (3) above, and for practical
considerations, English shall be the principal working language of
government business in Southern Sudan.
(5) In addition to English and Arabic, the legislature of any sub-
level of government in Southern Sudan may adopt any other national
language as an additional official working language or medium of
instruction in schools at its level.
(6) The Government of Southern Sudan shall promote the development of
a sign language for the benefit of people with special needs."

Leoma Gilley, PhD
Linguistic Consultant

http://www.pachodo.org/201105252129/Pachodo.org-English-Articles/south-sudan-constitution-language-policy.html

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