Why children learn English more easily with the help of their home language - Namibian study
A study conducted in Namibia suggests that incorporating home languages into English-medium classrooms significantly improves reading comprehension and student confidence. Researchers found that using native languages as a bridge helps children grasp complex concepts more effectively than English-only instruction.
Why it matters
This research challenges traditional language-of-instruction policies in post-colonial education systems, offering a potential pathway to improve literacy rates across Africa.
Suzy Hazelwood via Pexels , CC BY Why children learn English more easily with the help of their home language – Namibian study Published: July 21, 2026 10:30am EDT https://theconversation.com/why-children-learn-english-more-easily-with-the-help-of-their-home-language-namibian-study-287076 https://theconversation.com/why-children-learn-english-more-easily-with-the-help-of-their-home-language-namibian-study-287076 Link copied Share article Share article
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Across Africa, millions of children grow up speaking African languages at home but are later expected to learn through English, French or Portuguese at school. This transition can make learning difficult, particularly when learners are required to understand new concepts in a language they are still developing.
For example, in Namibia, learners switch from mother-tongue instruction to English in Grade 4 at the age of 9 or 10, a change that has been linked to poor reading comprehension and lower academic achievement (though national statistics are not available).
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