Abstract:
Three European languages are used mainly as official national
languages in Sub- Saharan Africa: French, English and Portuguese.
Spanish is spoken and used as an official language in Equatorial Guinea
only. The language sphere largely depicts an Anglophone Francophone
divide. This study therefore explores the place of Kiswahili language in
this divide. The study objectives were: to identify and explain the
Anglophone and Francophone states, examine the potential, challenges
and future of Kiswahili in the states in view of locally and globally
changing circumstances; discuss some best practices and gains of
Kiswahili language management, underpin the contribution of
Kiswahili language to a nation’s wellbeing and lastly, assess the
interface of Kiswahili language with other knowledge systems.
Qualitative methodological approach guided data collection process.
Community Development Theory is the study’s theoretical framework.
This theory focuses on planning and managing policy, projects,
programmes and processes relating to sustainable development.
Purposive sampling was employed to select a 30% sample of
Anglophone and /or Francophone States and their status of Kiswahili.
Data was analyzed by coding and content analysis. This study is a
bridge for further research and an insight to language decision making
challenges in African States.
Key Words: Anglophone, Francophone, Divide, Sub-Saharan Africa
