##issue.issue##

##issue.vol## 10 ##issue.no## 1 (2021)

Implications of Language Policy in Tanzania on the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language: Perspectives of the University of Dar es Salaam Language Student-Teachers

https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10i1.73
Mwajuma Vuzo
School of Education University of Dar es Salaam

Corresponding Author(s) : Mwajuma Vuzo

mvuzo@yahoo.co.uk

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), ##issue.vol## 10 ##issue.no## 1 (2021)

##article.abstract##

This paper examines the Language in Education Policy in Tanzania focusing on
teaching of English as a foreign language. The paper distinguishes between foreign
and second language learning contexts, and argues that English in Tanzania is a
foreign language, and not a second language. Through the language policy, English
is used a second language in the education sector as a language of instruction. This
affects the effective teaching of the language as a foreign language. The paper uses a
study on 335 language student-teachers at the University of Dar es Salaam to
highlight the perspectives of language student-teachers on the teaching of English as
a foreign language. It is guided by the linguistic imperialism theoretical perspective
and the linguistic interdependence principle informed by cross-linguistic influence.
The study involved the use of a semi structured questionnaire and document review.
The findings reveal that English is the main foreign language known to students;
English is not taught appropriately as a foreign language; and that some prospective
teachers (graduating from the student-teachers) fear to teach English in Tanzanian
secondary schools mainly due to their language incompetence. Thus, the paper
recommends that English be taught appropriately as a foreign language, which will
ultimately contribute to language competence; and multilingualism will be enhanced
through cross-linguistic influence.

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Implications of Language Policy in Tanzania on the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language: Perspectives of the University of Dar es Salaam Language Student-Teachers. (2021). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 10(1). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v10i1.73
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