By Jotham Likomeno,
University of Zambia Head of the Department of Arts, Languages and Literary Studies, Dr. Naomi Njovu, has called for increased use of indigenous languages in Zambia’s education system to strengthen national identity.
Commenting on the UNESCO theme for this year’s International Mother Language Day, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” Dr. Njovu said universities must promote research, publications and dissertations in Zambian languages.
In an interview with Mafken News, she noted that restricting academic work to English excludes capable learners, adding that fluency in English does not necessarily reflect intelligence, as many students grasp concepts better in their mother tongues.
Meanwhile, former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at UNZA, Dr. Basil Hamusokwe, observed inconsistencies between language policy and Zambia’s cultural and geographical realities.
He said languages in schools are not strategically taught and urged authorities to simplify public documents and translate them into local languages to improve access to information.
