Vol. 16, Issue 1, Jul-Dec 2023

Page: 21-44

Current English Language Practice and Sustainable Development Goals in Cameroon

Moise Leopold Moumbeket Mefire

Received Date: 2023-07-10

Accepted Date: 2023-08-14

Published Date: 2023-08-23

In this research work, the researcher sought to investigate the propensity to which the current practice of the English Language in Cameroon’s formal space could advance sustainable development (SD) in the country. The questionnaire and observation methods were the data collection tools used. The data comprised one hundred (100) copies of the questionnaire administered to journalists of Francophone and bilingual media institutions in Yaounde, and five (05) observation forms filled after observation sessions conducted on the noticeboards of five (05) ministerial departments in Yaounde. Governmentality is the theoretical framework adopted in this work. Analysis focused on investigating the effectiveness and adequacy of the currently scanty English Language tools and timid practices in Cameroon, and their impact on the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). In so doing, it equally investigated the dominance of French in official communications, and above all, the magnitude of development information (theme) from which English-speaking Cameroonians are left out. From the analysis, it was found that the current English Language practice in the francophone and bilingual media, local councils and ministries is inadequate, therefore, insignificant and unproductive. Cognizant that English is the lingua franca for international cooperation and communication (in the domains of education, politics, trade, and the media) and above all, the default language of modern science and technology, it was observed that the ineffective practice and/or marginalisation of English in Cameroon hampers national development in the sense that Cameroonians are being shaded from [inter]national development opportunities; worse still, they are deprived of scientific and technological knowledge and opportunities in English.

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