Accessibility and presence of English in rural Kisii, Kenya: Implications for English language education

Martha Moraa Michieka, Purdue University

Abstract

This study investigates the presence of English in rural Kisii, Kenya, its users, uses and the Kisii people's attitude toward this language. The study provides detailed historical information that gives background to the current place of English in rural Kisii. The primary source of data was a survey conducted among students in one youth polytechnic in rural Kisii. A three part questionnaire was used to investigate the availability of English in the media and in the students' environment, their uses of English, the people they interact with in this English and their attitudes toward this language. The findings from the study show that there is limited presence of English in rural Kisii Kenya. Access to new technology, as a resource of language learning, is limited. There is limited support for English learning outside the school and learners have minimal chances of acquiring English informally. Although learners have little opportunities of language use, their attitudes toward English are positive. They consider English an important language that could give them access to the outside world. They expressed a desire to increase their fluency. Following the findings, implications for English education are drawn and several practical proposals of increasing the availability of English made.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Berns, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Bilingual education|Multicultural education|Linguistics

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