Integrating local languages and cultures into the education system of French Guiana
-
Bettina Migge
Abstract
In this paper we present and critically assess three programs that are currently running in French Guiana. They aim to integrate some local languages and cultures into the local education system that is otherwise identical to that of Metropolitan France. We discuss and compare their emergence, development and the premises, assumptions and approaches on which they are based. The paper argues that while all three initiatives make an important contribution towards questioning the educational monopoly of French and towards adapting the education system to the local context, their impact currently remains limited. This is in large part due to a lack of a concerted will on the part of the education system to undertake far-reaching change and program-inherent problems. Keywords: French Guiana; local languages; bilingual education; language awareness; educational programs; evaluation
Abstract
In this paper we present and critically assess three programs that are currently running in French Guiana. They aim to integrate some local languages and cultures into the local education system that is otherwise identical to that of Metropolitan France. We discuss and compare their emergence, development and the premises, assumptions and approaches on which they are based. The paper argues that while all three initiatives make an important contribution towards questioning the educational monopoly of French and towards adapting the education system to the local context, their impact currently remains limited. This is in large part due to a lack of a concerted will on the part of the education system to undertake far-reaching change and program-inherent problems. Keywords: French Guiana; local languages; bilingual education; language awareness; educational programs; evaluation
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Creoles in education 1
- Raising critical language awareness in Hawai‘i at Da Pidgin Coup 31
- Chabacano for everyone? 55
- The Teaching of Creole in Guadeloupe 81
- Integrating local languages and cultures into the education system of French Guiana 107
- Kriol in Caribbean Nicaragua schools 133
- Swimming against the tide 167
- Introducing French Creole as a language of instruction in education in St. Lucia 183
- Bilingual education among the Karipúna and Galibi-Marwono 211
- Language and education in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao 237
- Cape Verdean in education 273
- Trilingual education 297
- Bibliography 323
- Biographical sketches of contributors 351
- Index 355
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Creoles in education 1
- Raising critical language awareness in Hawai‘i at Da Pidgin Coup 31
- Chabacano for everyone? 55
- The Teaching of Creole in Guadeloupe 81
- Integrating local languages and cultures into the education system of French Guiana 107
- Kriol in Caribbean Nicaragua schools 133
- Swimming against the tide 167
- Introducing French Creole as a language of instruction in education in St. Lucia 183
- Bilingual education among the Karipúna and Galibi-Marwono 211
- Language and education in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao 237
- Cape Verdean in education 273
- Trilingual education 297
- Bibliography 323
- Biographical sketches of contributors 351
- Index 355
