Language of Instruction: A Challenge for Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Implementing VET in Tanzania

Abstract

The paper clarifies how English as a Language of Instruction (LoI) acts as a setback in learning processes in Tanzania secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Furthermore, the paper shows the impact of the present LoI, English. The first impact is failure of effective implementation of Vocational Education Training (VET). This is because the language (English) used by students to acquire knowledge is different from the language (Kiswahili) used in providing particular knowledge related services in the society. The second impact is failure of effective acquisition of relevant knowledge since the students are not proficient in LoI.  Finally, the paper strongly suggests the use of Kiswahili as a LoI in Tanzania secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Keywords: Secondary Schools, Tertiary Institutions, Implementing VET, Language of Instruction