Implementation progress of the provisions of the Language Plan of Action for Africa in Zimbabwe: A lexicographer’s perspective

Abstract

The Language Plan of Action for Africa requires African Union member states to ensure that universities and research institutes are primary instruments for the practical promotion of African languages through the compilation of technical and general dictionaries, the training of technical language experts and the updating of vocabulary in African languages. This article examines the implementation progress of these provisions in Zimbabwe. Findings from observations, document analysis and interviews show that not much has been done in Zimbabwe insofar as the implementation of the provisions under study is concerned. Technical and general dictionaries only exist in Shona and Ndebele. The training of technical language experts is largely theoretical and the duration of the modules is too short to produce well-rounded technical language experts. The updating of vocabulary in African languages is haphazard and largely uncoordinated. There is therefore need for a multilingual language policy supported by adequate and sustained allocation of financial, human and material resources to support the implementation of the provisions under study.