ONE OF THE OF INDIGENOUS/LOCAL LANGUAGES SHOULD BECOME THE “NATIONAL LANGUAGES” IN UGANDA. DISCUSS.

A national language is a medium of communication which is legally accepted, commonly and widely spoken and understood by the majority in a given country. Examples include Swahili in Kenya and Tanzania and English in Great Britain. An indigenous language on the other hand refers to one of the native languages within the country such as Luganda, Lusoga, iteso, Luo etc for the case of Uganda.

Reasons in support/Yes (Y) any 5 X 3 =15

1. Most of the indigenous languages have a known culture as opposed to languages that are foreign. This would make fewer conflicts in adopting the language since it is not far from the knowledge of the population.
2. Certain languages like Swahili are associated with crime. In some regions Swahili is perceived as a language of thieves.
3. An indigenous language will narrow the gap between the elites versus non-elites/traditional
4. It solves the problem of bias over a foreign language.
5. It would help solve a problem of introduction of an alien culture in the country since language moves hand in hand with culture
6. Some of the languages like Luganda, Lusoga, Ateso, etc. already have written literature that would be used in the better learning of the language
7. The children at lower primary are already being taught in their local languages. This means the young generation is already good with the local languages and it would be easier to enforce a national language
8. Some languages are already wide spoken through the country such as Luganda.
9. A single local national language will give Uganda a unique identity rather than allowing a citizen to be identified by any of the more than 43 vernacular languages.

Reasons against: No (N) any 5 X 3 =15

1. There is a diversity of over 50 languages and ethnic dialects, it becomes hard to choose.
2. It is very expensive. It requires devoting a substantial amount of money to teach the indigenous language. The literature of the local languages is very expensive to buy or print.
3. Inaccurate translation of scientific and technological terms.
4. Historical hatred for tribes used by British to colonize others. For such tribes, their local language cannot be accepted.
5. If a law is passed, one cannot magically expect everyone to know the language over a short period of time. It will take long for all tribes to try and learn the language.
6. Adopting a local national language hinder globalization of economy. Because most economic transaction are done in English.
7. Sectarian tendencies and superiority complex would develop among the tribe members of the chosen language.
8. Many of these indigenous languages have a political impact, each leader may come up with a different policy.
9. The business language may be affected as indigenous languages are not nationally used in business; the language id likely to meet resistance from the elites and business community
10. Shortages of resources especially human, literature and finance limits implementation of indigenous languages
11. The absence of clearly defined government policy on national language may not favor the indigenous languages. Many influential politicians are of different tribes and so they swing the policy until it fails

Mark allocation

Definition 5marks

Sp – upto 5marks

GE- upto 10 marks

Content-(Yes)  any 5 points Each upto 3marks = 15marks

(No)  any 5 points Each upto 3marks = 15marks

Total = 50marks

Note that when writing a point

• State the point in full sentence (1mark)
• Explain/discuss the relevance of the point (1mark)
• Give a relevant example (1mark)

Total of = 3 marks per point.

Please say something or send your additions/ comments/corrections/suggestions in the comment section. Note that digitaltechers.co.ug is an academic website that thrives on accuracy of information.

Thank you

Dr. Bbosa Science