Activities of 18th national bilingualism week end this February 3, government efforts just on paper?

By Stephen TADAHA

The 18th National bilingualism week that was launched on January 30th under the theme “Bilingualism, a window to cultures and technologies, a human capital development tool for the emergence of Cameroon” ends today Friday February 3, 2023.

The promotion of the use of both official languages has been one of the main challenges in Cameroon in recent years.

With most official documents published in only one language (mostly French), most government officials who hardly make bilingual outings when addressing public opinion or public entrance exams being either in one language or poorly translated leading to the deformation of contents, one can hardly say Cameroon is truly a bilingual country.

Research shows that only 11.6% of Cameroonians are literate in both French and English, and 28.8% neither speak not write either reason why the government says they have been working hard to make bilingualism a reality.

With the establishment of several bilingual schools in an effort to teach both languages more evenly; many still complain that the English and French sections are separated and therefore do not provide a true bilingual experience.

In its efforts to promote bilingualism, government also created the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism in 2017 by decree No: 2017/013 of the 23rd January 2017. The commission has as mission to promote bilingualism and multiculturalism in Cameroon with a view to maintaining peace, consolidating the country’s unity and strengthening its people’s willingness and day – to – day experience with respect to living together.

“Since the promulgation into law on the promotion of official languages in Cameroon, we’ve been popularizing the law in government ministries and state corporations. We have been in government ministries twice to evaluate the level of bilingualism there and there are days in public institutions dedicated to bilingualism,” declared Bernard Eko, service head in charge of communication at the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism.

Government’s efforts according to many remain insignificant especially in the Anglophone community in the Bamboutos.

“I don’t think this country is bilingual. Most of us in a francophone community cannot easily express ourselves because our Francophone brothers mock at us. Some go on to say the country is bilingual and not the people,” declares Elizabeth, a trader.

“I think there is a certain level of bilingualism in Cameroon as compared to the years 2000. Cameroonians are becoming conscious of the importance of using both official languages in their daily activities. Government should only emphasize on the need and implement at the base” declares another inhabitant in the Bamboutos.

To end Week-long activities, closing ceremonies are expected to be organized in various schools during which students will perform in both languages.