Two Nations, Two Language Policies: What Innovations and Hullabaloos!

Abstract

This paper examines the language policies of two African nations, Nigeria and Kenya. We explain the subtleties and obstacles that could either facilitate or hinder the execution of these national language policies. Over the years, the Nigerian government has struggled to document its linguistic preferences and mandates. The introduction of the New National Language Policy in 2022 is a welcome development; however, its implementation is not yet visibly feasible. In contrast, Kenya’s language policy emphasizes the role of Kiswahili and mother tongue education, as outlined in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the national language policy. The paper draws on extensive literature and critical analysis of the national language policies of the two nations. It highlights the contents and explicates various innovations enunciated in these policies. The paper, therefore, concludes that parents, government, and all stakeholders involved in the use of language should do the needful for the proper implementation of the policies to preserve the indigenous languages for generations born and unborn. It recommends that various stakeholders and the government wake up to their responsibilities toward the proper implementation of the policies. Additionally, the government should publicize the necessary roles of various stakeholders for the fruitful implementation of the language policies.