In-Person
Most Haitians are monolingual in Kreyòl, their native language. However, Kreyòl is not the primary language of education and administration in Haiti. Instead, French remains the main language used in those contexts, which has led to many negative consequences in Haitians’ lives from persistent low literacy levels to stratification in the society. Drawing on empirical data, the presenter will explain the discrepancy between the current language policy and language attitudes and language identity among Haitians. The session also examines an improved language policy, which would prioritize mother tongue literacy and could lead to biliteracy development.