A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Assessing the Relevance of the 1992 Namibian Language in Education Policy (NLiEP) Document




AuthorsIipinge, Kristof; Banda, Felix; Norro, Soili

PublisherInforma UK Limited

Publication year2025

JournalLanguage Matters: Studies in the Languages of Africa

Journal name in sourceLanguage Matters

ISSN1022-8195

eISSN1753-5395

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/10228195.2025.2512370

Web address https://doi.org/10.1080/10228195.2025.2512370

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/498600269


Abstract

The current Namibian Language in Education Policy (NLiEP) document was first introduced in 1991 immediately after the country gained its independence. Even though this document has been in existence for more than 30 years, it has never been formally assessed or modified despite the changing socio-economic and language practices. Using four criteria (authenticity, representativeness, meaning, and credibility) suggested to evaluate documents for relevance, the article seeks to establish the relevance of the current NLiEP document. The findings suggest that the NLiEP document is out of touch with the developing multilingual realities of Namibians and the current debates on multilingual pedagogies in postcolonial Africa and the Global South generally. The article concludes with a discussion of an ideal prospective language policy document for Namibian schools.


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Last updated on 2025-28-07 at 14:49