Multi-ethnicity and Multilingualism for Indigenous Language Teaching and Learning: The Case of Ethiopia

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Multi-ethnic and multilingual contexts can provide rich resources to maintain and revitalize indigenous languages. These contexts can help enhance societies’ pride and identity in their socio-cultural background if a country acknowledges its ethno-linguistic pluralism and accepts it as a normal way of life and as a rich resource for development and progress. Nevertheless, the situation in Ethiopia appears quite different. Its ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity have been a challenge to indigenous language teaching and learning in the educational system. This talk highlights these challenges and invites discussion of ideas that may have implications to other similar multi-ethnic and multilingual contexts.

Lecture and Discussion by Haregewoin Fantahun Eshete (PhD)
Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and Communication
Department of Social Science and Language Education
College of Education and Behavioral Studies
Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sponsored by the Dean’s Office and the Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education
In partnership with Addis Ababa University