South Sudan Constitution language policy

Dear Friends,
It seems that the weakening of the local language policy in the new SS constitution is of considerable concern for many language communities. You are people in positions to do something about this, if something needs to change.

That is your best judgment. I just wanted to make you aware of my concern on your behalf.

"Language
6. (1) All indigenous languages of South Sudan are national languages and shall be respected, developed and promoted.
(2) English shall be the official working language in the Republic of South Sudan, as well as the language of instruction at all levels of education.
(3) The State shall promote the development of a sign language for the benefit of people with special needs."

This is significantly weaker than the current interim SS constitution which explicitly allows for use of national languages in education. See below:

"(1) All indigenous languages of Southern Sudan are national languages and shall be respected, developed and promoted.
(2) English and Arabic shall be the official working languages at the level of the governments of Southern Sudan and the States as well as languages of instruction for higher education.
(3) There shall be no discrimination against the use of either English or Arabic at any level of government or stage of education.
(4) Without prejudice to sub-Article (3) above, and for practical considerations, English shall be the principal working language of government business in Southern Sudan.
(5) In addition to English and Arabic, the legislature of any sub- level of government in Southern Sudan may adopt any other national language as an additional official working language or medium of instruction in schools at its level.
(6) The Government of Southern Sudan shall promote the development of a sign language for the benefit of people with special needs."

Leoma Gilley, PhD
Linguistic Consultant