The Case of Chichewa and English in Malawi: The Impact of First Language Reading and Writing on Learning English as a Second Language

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between Chichewa (L1) and English (L2) literacies in Malawi. Through our use of hierarchical linear modeling, we found that cross-language literacy transfer between Chichewa and English did occur, but that the pattern and the strength of the relationships varied depending on the literacy domain (i.e., reading or writing) and grade level. Our work has implications for students, teachers, and policy makers in countries like Malawi, where the language of the former colonial power is the official language (L2) of the country and students must be prepared to participate within a globalized society.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jaran Shin

Jaran Shin is a doctoral candidate in Language, Literacy, and Culture at the Graduate School of Education at the University of California at Berkeley. Her current research focuses on second/foreign language education in relationship to culture, discourse, and identity in the context of globalization.

Misty Sailors

Misty Sailors is a professor in Literacy Education in the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her current research focuses on literacy teacher education and comprehension instruction in local and international settings.

Nicola McClung

Nicola McClung is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of San Francisco. She is also co-founder of Xóchitl Justice Press, which focuses on teaching, community partnerships, research, and publishes non-fiction books to support the intellectual, affective, aesthetic, and social development of the whole child.

P. David Pearson

P. David Pearson is a professor in Language, Literacy, and Culture at the Graduate School of Education at the University of California at Berkeley. His current research focuses on issues of literacy instruction and assessment policies and practices at all levels-local, state, and national.

James V. Hoffman

James Hoffman is a professor in Language and Literacy Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin. His current research focuses on reading teacher preparation and promotion of literacy in developing countries.

Margaret Chilimanjira

Margaret Chilimanjira is a Language and Literacy Curriculum Specialist at the Malawi Institute of Education. She is currently working on three projects, i.e., Materials Development for Strengthening Early Grade Reading In Malawi, Girls Empowerment through Education and Health Activity, and Effective Early Grade Reading Instruction Approaches.