English Education in the African Context

In the past few decades, education systems around the world have been subject to an Anglophone movement. Proponents of an Anglophone, or English-speaking, education have increasingly influenced the making of education policy and the establishment of English-medium institutions across the globe, and one such continent that has seen particularly a lot of it in the past decade is Africa.

Many African education systems are experiencing a significant shift towards English as the primary language of instruction, driven by factors like globalization, perceived economic advantages, and the desire to attract international students. While this trend offers potential benefits, it also presents challenges related to language policy, cultural identity, and the potential exclusion of students who are not proficient in English.

First, let’s look at the reasons for this shift in policy. English is widely considered the language of international business, science, technology, and higher education. Many African countries see English proficiency as crucial for their citizens' economic advancement and global competitiveness. Universities and institutions using English as the primary instructional language can also attract more international students. National education policies in many Anglophone countries mandate English as the language of instruction beyond the early primary years, and it's often a compulsory subject from early grades. English is sometimes perceived as having a higher social and academic status than local languages, leading to a preference for English-medium education.

However, there are some challenges that are occurring with this movement towards English-language education. Students who are not fluent in English may face difficulties in learning and accessing educational content, which could potentially hinder their academic progress. The dominance of English can also undermine the use of local African languages, possibly leading to language endangerment and cultural loss. While English is seen as a pathway to opportunity, it can exacerbate existing inequalities if students from disadvantaged backgrounds lack access to quality English language instruction. 

To allow students to continue accessing education through the advent of English-medium schools, many experts advocate for a balanced approach that recognizes the importance of both English and local languages in education. One of the best ways to do so is through linguistic education, which teaches students about how the English language works while providing various opportunities to discuss the intricacies of the students’ native languages and how they have influenced English. This creates a pathway to both improved English-language outcomes and a better understanding of the sociocultural history of languages indigenous to the area.  In doing so, students are able to comprehend not only English but also unique parts of their own language or languages.