Conference Agenda

The Dilemma of a National Language in Uganda: Who is to Blame?

In a multilingual country like Uganda, with over sixty five indigenous languages (Gov’t of Ug, 1995), a national language is critical in shaping serenity as a means of unifying the coexistence of the populace. Internally, a national language brings about national identity and national unity. Many factors account for the failure of a national language in Uganda; the varying language ideologies, the multilingual nature of the populace, the history of colonialism, and government recognition (Nankindu, 2014). It is against this background that English language, a colonial language remains the lingua franca of Uganda, used in education institutions as a language of instruction, in parliament for debates, legislation and policy making and well as a medium of national and international business. The national anthem is in English, many school mottos and anthems are in English and all national functions are held in English language. In fact, even some foreign languages are taught through English using bilingual methods. Unfortunately, policy makers have failed to either agree or come up with a language that would make Ugandans feel Ugandan. As Blommaert, (2006), put it; there is a collocation between language policy and national identity. This study, therefore, is aimed at resurrecting a debate that would propel the policy makers to revisit the subject of a national language.

Key words: multilingual country, language ideologies, language policy