Language and Literacy in Multilingual Communities: An Investigation into the ‘National Breakthrough to Literacy Initiative’ in Zambia

Abstract

This study is an investigation into the ‘National Breakthrough to Literacy Initiative’ in Zambia, Central Africa. The initiative is a pilot programme that seeks to address what has been identified as backwardness in reading and writing in government schools. It is premised on theories that suggest that learners who acquire a certain amount of competence in their mother tongues are likely to acquire a similar competence in second and subsequent languages (Skuttnabb-Kangas, 1981; Cummins, 2000; Alidou 2009).

The study was conducted in August 2004 in Lusaka, Zambia. After careful consideration, a qualitative approach was applied. Data sources included three interviews, a focus group discussion, four classroom observations and reference to secondary data. A smaller study was carried out in Lesotho, Southern Africa in 2005 to create a comparative basis against which the ‘National Breakthrough to Literacy’ initiative could be evaluated.

The study sought to investigate the new teaching methodology that is being piloted in selected schools with a view to hopefully providing evidence either (a) for the widespread adoption of the policy or (b) for consideration of certain factors in its continued application. A further purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are discernible skills acquired in initial literacy that can effectively be transferred to the learning of English. This perspective was critical in determining the extent to which indigenous languages are likely to compete with English in a globalised context.

The research revealed the relevance and significance of English in relation to the indigenous languages of the society. It also showed that the ‘NBTL’ initiative facilitated the transition towards the later learning of English.

Date of Award	1 Sept 2009
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Andrew Stables (Supervisor) & Trevor Grimshaw (Supervisor)