Language of Instruction (LOI) Research in Zambian Primary Schools

Zambia is a multiethnic and multilingual society. It is home to over 70 dialects. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), through the Education Act of 2011 and subsequent Primary Literacy Programme (PLP) has designated seven languages of instructions (LoIs) to be used in schools in the country, including Chitonga, Cinyanja, Icibemba, Kiikaonde, Lunda, Luvale and Kikaonde. The LoIs are used to teach across all subjects from pre-school to Grade 4. English is introduced as a subject in Grade 2 to help learners develop oral reading skills. From Grade 5 onwards, English is used as a LoI, and local languages are taught as mandatory subjects through the end of lower secondary school or Grade 9.  

Schools in Luapula, Lusaka, Central, Northern, and Copperbelt provinces pre-dominantly use the MoE-designated LoIs, an indication that the schools observe the MoE policy guidance on the use of LoI. There are approximately 15 other major languages, not currently designated as LoIs. 

The aim of the research is to provide information on what works, what does not, and why to the Government, implementing partners, and donors on LoI in primary schools; and use this information to inform and strengthen the implementation of the policy and improve learning quality and outcomes for Zambian Learners.