The use of Mother Tongue as, a Medium of Instruction: The Case of the Kembata Language
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Date
2000-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction (MOl) is advocated by many
scholars because of its pedagogical , psychological and Sociological value in the
instruction process. However it did not get recognition by those who argue against
using it based on its economic, political, linguistic and transition problems. These
problems become so serious in the case of less developed regions and places with
linguistic heterogenity. In Ethiopia the use of mother tongue as a MOl for formal
education widely started with the adoption of the New Education and Training
Policy of 1994. Thus, currently several nationality languages are being used as a
MOl; one of them being Kembata Language in which case informal discussion
revealed the existence of complain among the change affected people. This study
aimed at examining the implementation condition of this language as a MOl. The
studys' sample included 104 teachers, 120 students, 28 parents and 7 educational
officials in K.A. T zone, SNNPR. Data were collected using questionnaire, interview,
and observation checklist, and they were analysed using percentages, chi square
test and the t-test. The analysis indicated the existence of weaknesses in teacher
training, attempt made to remedy the weaknesses. Other findings were the
unfavourable parental and teacher reaction regardless of children's claim that they
can easily use their mother tongue for instruction, serious shortage of teaching
materials, weak interaction among the change facilitators and change affected
people, and little community support and participation. On the basis of these
findings, awareness and skill development by training and orientation, improving
interaction, provision, and economic use of teaching materials and wining the
community support were recommended.
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Keywords
Use of Mother Tongue As