The Power of Language: Consequences of the French-Malagasy history
Language and Schooling in Madagascar: A Lingering Legacy
While Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, the French influence on its school system remains significant. In public elementary schools across the villages of Île Sainte Marie and the nearby Île aux Nattes, for example, instruction is predominantly in French. This creates a substantial disconnect, as the everyday language spoken by most locals outside the classroom is Malagasy.
This linguistic duality presents a considerable hurdle for many children. Imagine learning complex subjects like mathematics or science in a language you don’t comfortably speak at home. For countless students, this means they either do not speak French at all upon entering school, or they feel uncomfortable and less confident using the language in an academic setting. This can lead to:
Hindered comprehension: Difficulty understanding lessons when the language of instruction is not their mother tongue.
Reduced participation: Children may be less likely to ask questions or engage in discussions if they lack confidence in French.
Lower academic success: This linguistic gap can ultimately impact test scores, repetition rates, and overall educational attainment.
While a few private schools offer solely French instruction, they are not accessible to the majority of Malagasy families. The public system, despite efforts, often leaves children struggling to bridge this linguistic gap on their own.
The Role of Malagasy: Identity and Foundation
Malagasy is the national language, spoken by nearly all Malagasy people across the island. It is the language of culture, community, and daily life. Ideally, early primary education is where children build foundational literacy and numeracy skills in Malagasy, fostering a strong sense of identity and making initial learning more accessible. However, the transition to French as the primary language of instruction later in the curriculum can be abrupt and challenging for many.
NORA-Madagascar’s Commitment to Contextualized Education
At NORA-Madagascar, we firmly believe that an effective educational approach must be deeply rooted in the local context. We recognize the importance of strengthening children’s foundational skills in Malagasy while also seeking ways to support their proficiency in French, understanding its role in higher education and professional life. Our work involves:
Community engagement: Collaborating with parents and local leaders to understand their specific needs and challenges.
Supporting local initiatives: Working with schools and teachers to find practical solutions that consider the linguistic realities.
Advocating for accessible learning: Highlighting the need for resources that help bridge the gap between Malagasy and French instruction.
By understanding these complexities, we can better support the efforts to provide truly quality and equitable education for every Malagasy child.
We invite you to learn more about the rich history of Madagascar and the context in which these children are growing up.
