The Pros and Cons of Language in Building Inter and Intra National Cohesiveness.
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Abstract
Internationally and locally, language has played a role in fueling conflict as well as resolving it. For example in Kenya, the 2007 presidential elections were a turning point in the country’s political history. It threw the country into untold chaos and challenged the country’s national identity. In the post-election violence that erupted after the announcement of the presidential elections local languages were used as tools for propaganda spread, exclusion and at times inclusion. Through a literature review this paper explores the connections between language and conflict and how teachers can be vehicles of enhancing peace right from the classroom level. Specifically, English language teachers can work with students to create a safe environment for sharing and listening to one another’s stories by collaboratively setting group norms that uphold values of respect and empathy. Finally, the paper concludes that language is a tool that can be used to fuel conflict but it can as well be used to unite. The process of acquiring English language in Kenya is very important in uniting Kenyans and the English language teachers have a crucial role in influencing peace building in Kenya by teaching learners to appreciate each other and use language that promotes peace and brotherliness.
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