The Anglophone Francophone Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring the Potential and Future of Kiswahili

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