National leaders are language leaders. French, English, Italian, Greek, American leaders ÔÇô both cultural and political, address their populations through what they consider a national language ÔÇô a language that uniquely identifies them as a people.
There may indeed be internal national linguistic variability which needs protecting and celebrating, however a nation needs a language that sets it apart ÔÇô a sign of its nationhood. For Botswana such a language is Setswana. Some have argued that the idea of a national language is perverse, since claiming a national language is to undermine other local languages.
The argument is sometimes expressed differently: the national language oppresses minority languages. I have followed such arguments repeatedly with incredible care and found them incredible hollow. I do think it is possible to argue for the place and development of minority languages without attacking the Setswana language and spitting on the face of those who argue for the development of Setswana.
What nationally we must accept is that we first need English as an international and regional language of communication. The misguided militancy that we must get rid of English and replace it with some other language is a result of weak theorising and at worst a consequence of sustained lack of sleep.
The educational commissioners have argued that English’s “mastery … brings with it advantages both within the educational system and in the world of work. Until there is a change in policy pertaining to the use of English in various aspects of social, economic and the political life of the country, the reality is that English will continue to hold a special place in the society… It appears that mastery of English is one (of) the major factors for better achievement in primary school and therefore its early introduction in the system might improve performance” (RNCE, 1993: 113).
They are right.
There is also a need to develop and protect the national language Setswana. Setswana is Botswana’s national language and an important cross border language spoken in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It has been chosen by the languages arm of the African Union, Academy of African Languages (ACALAN), for development and promotion. Its position is therefore strategically important.
This doesn’t make Setswana more important than other local languages. However it makes it a significant language both locally and regionally ÔÇô something that all Batswana should celebrate. The obvious temptation, especially amongst some who fight for the development of some minority languages is to be consumed by jealousy and try to topple Setswana from its functional national role. To assert a space for minority languages doesn’t have to be achieved through competition with Setswana.
An approach of this nature usually results with competition between minority languages and Setswana. Such a competition is unnecessary and usually makes us lose focus of the bigger picture: the promotion and development of minority languages.
There must be space for minority languages. Those who wish to undermine their development miss a critical point about nationhood; that linguistic diversity enriches us. The dialogue we must have is how we can develop and protect minority languages in a country in which English is the official language and Setswana a national language. First, we must acknowledge that a people’s language is part of their broader culture.
Consequently, minority languages will thrive within the broader vibrancy of their cultural development.
Associations such as SPIL and many others who fall under the umbrella movement of RETENG are important groups to further and encourage local linguistic and cultural diversity. Obviously there are those who argue for regionalising Botswana ÔÇô that we should teach in regional languages at early primary.
I understand them but I don’t find their argument compelling. Problems with their proposition have been discussed in part by the RNCE (1993). “Firstly, there are several languages in the country, some which are spoken by a small group of people.
It may not be economically feasible to develop the instructional materials needed to enable all these language to be used as a medium of instruction…. The second problem is the availability of teachers…. The third problem is the translation of instructional materials into the various mother tongues. This will certainly be a difficult exercise.
At present, many of these languages have not been developed to a point where they can be written” (RNCE, 1993:112). My argument has always been that the curriculum should require all Batswana students to study English, Setswana and any local language of their choice for them to graduate from their senior secondary school.
This will promote national unity and tolerance across all Botswana tribes. Regionalising will flow against national unity but will instead fuel tribal hostility as it is happening in South Africa. Language is a political matter as well as an emotional one.
Linguists have a responsibility to guide the country well without scorning national unity.
