Attitudes of Rwandans towards Kiswahili as a Language of Trade and Integration in the East African Community

Abstract

People’s attitudes play an important role in designing a language policy that intends the development of a language. The present study explored the influence of Rwandans’ attitudes towards the development of Kiswahili which is considered the language of trade and integration in the East African Community. The study used primary data collected from participants found in the Rwandan bordering and urban communities. The data collected about people’s opinions towards the promotion of Kiswahili were statistically processed and analysed by use of hierarchical linear regression. Results showed a significant influence on people’s attitudes at the p-value below .05. Thus, the study found that people’s attitudes have an important influence in promoting a certain language, more specifically Kiswahili, as a language of trade and integration in the EAC. It was suggested that Rwandans’ attitudes towards the development of Kiswahili should be given consideration while designing policies and programs that intend to promote Kiswahili