Language policies and the role of development agencies in postcolonial Mozambique. Issue 4 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chimbutane, Feliciano
• Is Part Of: Current issues in language planning. Volume 18:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 370
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Language policies -- development -- development agencies -- Portuguese -- African languages; Language planning -- Periodicals; Language policy -- Periodicals; 306.44905
• DOI: 10.1080/14664208.2017.1331495
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-4208

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article focuses on the interface between language policy and development in Mozambique. Special attention is devoted to the interplay between language and education and to the role of development agencies in language policy and planning activities in Mozambique. I show that there has now been a discourse shift from homogenizing language policies to those that celebrate diversity and difference. However, I argue that in order to achieve effective human development in Mozambique, in addition to Portuguese, African languages should be developed and also legitimately used as media for full participation in all dimensions of development. I also show how some development agencies have been pushing the Government of Mozambique toward inclusive language policy dispensations.