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Paper short abstract:

Learning the Abugida writing system enables cognitive skill development leading to a complex understanding of language. Building on Asfaha’s work, I argue that adopting the writing system in higher education would improve academic performance and establish an African writing system in academia.

Paper long abstract:

Eritrea is one of the countries offering education in first-language education, which means reflecting the plurality of languages in its schooling system. This includes nine languages and three writing systems. Under the slogan “unity through cultural diversity” the Eritrean People Liberation Front promoted in 1991 a language policy in which local languages are used as the medium of governance and judiciary to ensure cultural and political autonomy. These plural language policies for education reflect the SDG goal “Access for All” and offer opportunities for learning strategies in language acquisition.

Asfaha's study on literacy acquisition in multilingual Eritrea (2009) states that learning the syllabary Abugida script (used in Tigrinya) is beneficial in language acquisition. The author discusses the relationship between language and orthography, examines the accessibility of phonological properties, consistency of mapping between pronunciation and sound, and writing. Concerning Abugida writing, Asfaha concludes that learning small or large units (syllables) leads to a better understanding of language and accessible phonological units improve reading and learning comprehension. In other words, the complexity of the writing system, which covers units instead of letters, enables learners to improve their language skills.

Based on these findings, I will discuss in my presentation the hypothesis that higher education would profit from teaching the Abugida writing system due to two reasons. First, the complexity of the writing system improves cognitive skills, impacting the perception of thinking. Second, adopting African writing systems within African higher education is an act of empowerment and liberation from colonial trajectories.