Language Policy, Use and Attitudes

This study was a sociolinguistic survey of the current language policies, language use and language attitudes in the EAC partner states. A critical examination of the current language policies, a description of language choice and use in various situations and contexts and the attendant language attitudes were done. The empirical information gathered on these variables was to be used as a basis for the formulation of a language policy that promotes EAC integration and the linguistic diversity attendant in the region. The major findings of the study were: The current language policy and language planning has further expressly shaped language policy at the EAC level; The rich tapestry of languages in the EAC region is vibrant and in daily use by people of all generations in various contexts, situations and in the media. In most contexts, a combination of languages is preferred. The use of all these languages ensures that effective and meaningful communication is achieved; Instrumental reasons form the strongest need for European languages while various combinations of languages provide the greatest integrative value.