A NOTE ON MULTILINGUALISM IN BOTSWANA AND IMPLICATION FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING

Abstract

Botswana is a multilingual nation with close to 30 languages. However, languages use practice acknowledges Setswana and English only. This minimalist language use practice creates an impression of a monolithic ethno-linguistic country. This practice happens even as the constitution purports to afford citizens equal rights in all domains of development. The contradictory practice could mean that language is not part of citizen rights. This paper discusses marginalization of ethnic and linguistic communities within a sociolinguistic perspective. It further demonstrates endangerment for other indigenous languages because of the minimalist language use practice, with most urgency for Khoesan languages. Recommendations are made for harmonious development and promotion of marginalized languages and cultures to curb their pending dearth and death.