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Abstract:
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This paper examines the patterns of language use and language preference of some
children aged 6–15 and their parents at the University of Botswana. The results indicate
that the majority of the children speak Setswana and English, despite the fact that they
come from different language groups. However, Setswana, the national language, is
the more widely spoken. Very few of the children speak languages such as Ikalanga,
Otjiherero and Sesotho and other minority languages. The language preferences of the
children and their parents differ. Although many of the children speak two or three
languages, they prefer only one – Setswana. However, the parents of the children prefer
them to speak English rather than Setswana, especially in the school and playground.
They also prefer their children not to speak English at home, although the children
actually do so. Children from other language groups prefer English to their mother
tongues. Generally, the study shows the continued growth of Setswana and English,
and the gradual decline of the other local languages, except Ikalanga. The government
is reported to be considering introducing a third language as a medium of instruction in
the hope that it will stop the decline of minority languages. |