THE IMPACT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN ZIMBABWE

This phenomenological and historical study explored
the impact of the English language on the native
languages and lives of the native Zimbabwean people.
Data were collected through literature searches,
formal and informal observations of language use by
Zimbabweans. Analysis of data was done following the
historical and phenomenological paradigms. Results
showed that English indeed impacted the native
languages of Zimbabwe in school instruction, social
and economic aspects, prestige, power, the job
market, communication, the media, political
administration, and culture. While the status native
languages in Zimbabwe was deteriorating that of
English was growing threatening the native languages
and cultures. General recommendations from the study
are; 1. Raising the awareness of Zimbabwean people of
the need and importance of all their native
languages. 2. Language policy decisions should start
at the grassroots level rather than being imposed
from above. 3. Native languages should play a
complementary role in the education of children. 4.
Schools and mass media should provide programs that
enhance native languages and native cultures.

Autorentext

Doreen Moyo, originally from Zimbabwe is a Professor of Educationat Concordia College-Selma. She earned her doctoral degree fromthe University of Nebraska Lincoln. Research interests include-Language and Second Language Teaching, Literacy, GlobalEducation, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Achievement Gap andMulticultural Education.

Klappentext

This phenomenological and historical study exploredthe impact of the English language on the nativelanguages and lives of the native Zimbabwean people.Data were collected through literature searches,formal and informal observations of language use byZimbabweans. Analysis of data was done following thehistorical and phenomenological paradigms. Resultsshowed that English indeed impacted the nativelanguages of Zimbabwe in school instruction, socialand economic aspects, prestige, power, the jobmarket, communication, the media, politicaladministration, and culture. While the status nativelanguages in Zimbabwe was deteriorating that ofEnglish was growing threatening the native languagesand cultures. General recommendations from the studyare; 1. Raising the awareness of Zimbabwean people ofthe need and importance of all their nativelanguages. 2. Language policy decisions should startat the grassroots level rather than being imposedfrom above. 3. Native languages should play acomplementary role in the education of children. 4.Schools and mass media should provide programs thatenhance native languages and native cultures.