Language policy and practice in Botswana in the context of education for sustainable development

Abstract

This article explores language practice in Botswana in the context of disseminating information related to environmental issues. Despite the fact that indigenous languages are invaluable carriers of environmental education, the current language policy in Botswana does not provide room for the use of the different indigenous languages-messages conveying information on environmental matters are still presented either in English or Setswana. To situate that argument, the article briefly provides the messages presented by government organisations, companies and non-governmental organisations interested in environmental issues. The analysis revealed that the hegemony of English and Setswana prevails in the communication of information on environmental issues, even in instances where other local languages could have been utilised to effectively communicate the intended message. This article underscores the need to develop inclusive language policies which will provide for the use of the diverse African languages. It is imperative to do so, because vital indigenous knowledge, which can contribute to sustainable development, can only be best understood in the languages of the people. The current practice of overemphasising English and Setswana, within the Botswana context, denies the nation the opportunity of understanding environmental issues from diverse perspectives.

Keywords:

• Culture
• environmental issues
• language
• language practice
• Setswana
• sustainable development