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The Legacy of Colonial Language Policies and Their Impact on Student Learning: Evidence from an Experimental Program in Cameroon

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  • David D. Laitin
  • Rajesh Ramachandran
  • Stephen L. Walter

Abstract

The relative educational returns on colonial versus indigenous language instruction in sub-Saharan countries have yet to be decisively estimated. To address this unanswered question, this paper provides an impact assessment of an experiment in Cameroon in which the first 3 years of schooling were conducted in a local language instead of in English. Test results in examinations in both English and math reveal that treated students exhibit gains of 1.1–1.4 of a standard deviation in grades 1 and 3 compared with the control students. It also increases the probability of being present in grades 3 and 5 by 22 and 14 percentage points, respectively. However, by the end of fifth grade, 2 years after reverting to the English stream, treated students still exhibit gains of 0.40–0.60 of a standard deviation, although the absolute scores for both groups are low enough to suggest limited learning is taking place.

Suggested Citation

  • David D. Laitin & Rajesh Ramachandran & Stephen L. Walter, 2019. "The Legacy of Colonial Language Policies and Their Impact on Student Learning: Evidence from an Experimental Program in Cameroon," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 68(1), pages 239-272.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:ecdecc:doi:10.1086/700617
    DOI: 10.1086/700617
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    Cited by:

    1. Hemanshu Kumar & Rohini Somanathan & Mahima Vasishth, 2022. "Language and learning in ethnically mixed communities," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(2), pages 835-846, May.
    2. Laitin, David D. & Ramachandran, Rajesh, 2022. "Linguistic diversity, official language choice and human capital," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    3. Pooja Nakamura & Zelealem Leyew & Adria Molotsky & Varsha Ranjit & Kevin Kamto, 2023. "PROTOCOL: Language of instruction in schools in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(2), June.
    4. Feliciano Chimbutane & Ritva Reinikka, 2023. "Language and student learning: Evidence from an ethnographic study in Mozambique," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2023-62, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    5. Romuald, Nguemkap Kouamo, 2023. "An analysis of inequalities in school performance between public and private students in sub-Saharan Africa," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    6. Margaret Leighton, 2021. "Mother Tongue Reading Materials as a Bridge to Literacy," Discussion Paper Series, School of Economics and Finance 202101, School of Economics and Finance, University of St Andrews.
    7. Binzel, Christine & Link, Andreas & Ramachandran, Rajesh, 2021. "Language, Knowledge, and Growth: Evidence from Early Modern Europe," CEPR Discussion Papers 15454, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    8. Leighton, Margaret, 2022. "Mother tongue reading materials as a bridge to literacy," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    9. Hemanshu Kumar & Rohini Somanathan & Mahima Vasishth, 2020. "Language and Learning in Ethically Mixed Communities: A Study of School Children in an Indian Village," Working Papers 35, Ashoka University, Department of Economics.
    10. Adelaide Baronchelli & Alessandra Foresta & Roberto Ricciuti, 2020. "The Words That Keep People Apart. Official Language, Accountability and Fiscal Capacity," CESifo Working Paper Series 8437, CESifo.

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