The Sénégal franchit une étape décisive dans la valorisation de son patrimoine linguistique (The Sénégal has made a decisive step in the valorisation of its linguistic heritage) is a French-language film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The Minister of National Education, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, announced on Friday the introduction of balance and cleanliness in the education system. This integration brings to eight the total number of national languages now taught, marking a significant enlargement of school programmes. Until now, the teaching of national languages was limited to Diola, Malinké, Pulaar, Serère, Soninké and Wolof. With the addition of the balante, spoken in the south of the country, and the saafi, present in the west, l’Éducation nationale concretises its commitment to linguistic inclusion. The Minister Guirassy confirmed this progress during the government press conference “Kaddu”, stating: “There were initially six languages, but this year, we have added the balance and the words which are actually taught”. This decision is presented as a major orientation of the high authorities, who consider the promotion of national languages as an instrument of national sovereignty. The integration of the balance sheet responds in particular to a recent political question.
The Senegalese education system is enriched: eight national languages are now taught
