The role of swahili in the teaching of English in Tanzania secondary schools

The aim of this study was twofold: to find out if Swahili is used at all in the teaching of English in Tanzanian Secondary Schools, and if so, in what circumstances it is used; secondly to investigate the possible value of the judicious use of Swahili in the teaching of English. The research was based on the literature review and field investigations. In the literature review the researcher examined the major approaches to foreign language teaching that have evolved in this century. In each approach, the focus was on the use of the native language and the reasons advanced for or against its use. Field investigations consisted of class observations, interviews with teachers of English and a try-out of sample lesson plans. These investigations were carried out in 13 randomly selected secondary schools in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro regions. The object and procedure of each investigation are detailed in Chapters 3 and. 4. One of the highlights of the findings is that Swahili is used by some teachers, while other teachers either avoid it or use it in very controlled circumstances. Other major findings including the issue of 'last resort' use are found in Chapter 5. In conclusion, this research suggests that there is no need to insist on avoiding Swahili rather, there is need for promotion of its judicious use. In view of the findings, four categories of recommendations have been made. The first category concerns how Swahili may be usefully employed in the English classroom. The second category is on methodology in general, just to facilitate implementation of the recommendations on the use Swahili. Thirdly are recommendations of the more general nature, with the same goal. Lastly is the recommendation for further research on various issues raised in this study: These are all found in Chapter 6.