아세안

Language renders a symbolic identity and ideological framework to a community. In the case where the language is selected by either the nation or the government, a creation of a new identity or a national identity is asked for. Hence, it can be said that the establishment of language urges the development of civilization and national society in a historical respect. Like the majority of nations in Africa, Kenya uses English as their national language for education and international communication, while designating Swahili, the dominant language in East Africa, as their native language. Moreover, Kenya uses 20 out of 40 languages as its native language, thereby hampering a regulation of unity in language. Ultimately, an abstract policy of language can be blamed for obstructing the unification of citizens, resulting in a failure of cultivating a national identity. The situation in Kenya has proved that promoting multiple languages as one’s mother language impedes the development of a single language policy. A definite ideological background or correlation does not exist concerning Kenya’s attitude of non-interference towards its language policy. Indefinite attitudes of government officials and actions to exploit the identity of a nation for the government’s benefit have basically caused the failure in controlling its language policy, with no plans for reformation. In my view, national identity has been deprived, while communal identities have been more firmly established.