OUR UNIQUE LINGUISTIC HERITAGE

By Godwill Yakum

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Introduction

Cameroon is often described as “Africa in miniature” for its cultural, geographical, and linguistic diversity. Among its many treasures, one of the most remarkable is its unique linguistic heritage — a dual identity expressed through English and French as official languages. This bilingual nature is not only a product of its complex colonial past but also a living testimony of its ability to unite diversity under one national identity.

In a continent where multilingualism is the norm, Cameroon stands out for its institutionalized bilingualism, officially recognized by the Constitution and embedded in every sector of national life — from education and administration to media and politics. Understanding this linguistic heritage is key to understanding Cameroon’s unity, challenges, and potential in a globalized world.

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Historical Foundations of Cameroon’s Bilingualism

Pre-Colonial and German Era (Before 1916)

Before European colonization, Cameroon was home to hundreds of ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language or dialect. Communication between groups was often facilitated through trade languages such as Fulfulde, Pidgin English, and other regional lingua francas.

In 1884, Cameroon became a German protectorate, and the Germans introduced their language primarily in administration, education, and missionary work. However, this period ended abruptly after Germany’s defeat in World War I.

Partition by the League of Nations (1916–1960)

Following Germany’s defeat, Cameroon was divided between Britain and France under the League of Nations mandate.

• French Cameroon (about 80% of the territory) came under French administration, which introduced French civil law, education, and culture.
• British Cameroon (about 20%) was administered from Nigeria under the British colonial system, introducing English common law, education, and administration.

This division laid the foundation for Cameroon’s linguistic duality — two peoples, two systems, and two languages evolving side by side.

Reunification and Institutionalization of Bilingualism (1961–Present)

On October 1, 1961, the Southern Cameroons voted to reunite with the Republic of Cameroon, forming the Federal Republic of Cameroon. The new constitution recognized both English and French as official languages of equal status.

When the country later became the United Republic of Cameroon (1972) and then the Republic of Cameroon (1984), bilingualism was maintained as a symbol of national unity and identity.

Today, the Constitution (Article 1, Paragraph 3) clearly states:

“The official languages of the Republic of Cameroon shall be English and French, both having the same status.”

This legal recognition forms the backbone of the country’s bilingual policy.

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Linguistic Diversity Beyond English and French

Although English and French dominate official life, Cameroon’s linguistic landscape extends far beyond these two. The country is home to an estimated 250–300 local languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse nations in Africa.

These languages are grouped into major families such as:

• Bantu languages (spoken in the Centre, South, and Littoral Regions — e.g., Ewondo, Duala, Bassa);
• Semi-Bantu languages (in the West and Northwest — e.g., Bamileke, Meta’, Kom);
• Sudanic and Chadic languages (in the North — e.g., Fulfulde, Mafa, Tupuri).

This multilingualism represents a rich cultural heritage, as each language embodies unique oral traditions, values, and worldviews.

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Bilingualism in the Educational System

Dual Subsystems

Cameroon operates two coexisting educational systems:

1. The English-speaking subsystem (based on the British model) — with GCE O’Level and A’Level examinations.
2. The French-speaking subsystem (based on the French model) — leading to the Baccalauréat and Brevet diplomas.

This duality allows learners to choose either subsystem while maintaining national coherence.

Integration and Reforms

The government has made efforts to harmonize the two systems and promote bilingual education:

• Creation of bilingual secondary and higher institutions such as the University of Yaoundé I & II, University of Buea, and University of Bamenda.
• Establishment of National Bilingualism and Multiculturalism Commission (NCPBM) to promote language equality.
• Recruitment of bilingual teachers and integration of language learning policies at all levels.

The education system thus serves as a vehicle for unity and mutual understanding between the English-speaking and French-speaking communities.

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Bilingualism in Government, Law, and Public Life

Government and Administration

All official documents, laws, and administrative texts must be available in both English and French.
Government offices, ministries, and national institutions are expected to operate in both languages, reflecting Cameroon’s commitment to bilingual governance.

Legal Systems

Cameroon’s bijural system mirrors its bilingualism:

• Common law (applied in the English-speaking regions), and
• Civil law (applied in the French-speaking regions).

This legal coexistence requires professional bilingual lawyers, judges, and translators to ensure fairness and accessibility.

Media and Communication

Radio, television, and digital platforms broadcast in both languages. National stations like CRTV and private media houses produce bilingual content that promotes national unity and cross-cultural exchange.

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Pidgin English: The People’s Lingua Franca

While not an official language, Cameroon Pidgin English (CPE) plays a vital role as a bridge language across linguistic divides. Spoken widely in markets, schools, churches, and homes, it blends English vocabulary with local grammatical patterns, making it an essential tool for social cohesion.

Pidgin English symbolizes grassroots bilingualism — the people’s adaptation of colonial languages to express African realities.

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Sociocultural Significance of Bilingualism

Cameroon’s linguistic heritage is not just about communication; it’s a symbol of cultural identity, inclusiveness, and unity in diversity. Bilingualism has fostered:

• Cultural exchange and national integration;
• Access to two major global cultures (Anglophone and Francophone worlds);
• Enhanced international relations, especially within the Commonwealth and La Francophonie.

This dual heritage allows Cameroonians to participate confidently in global discourse, business, and education, bridging linguistic divides that often separate nations.

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Challenges Facing Bilingualism in Cameroon

Despite its constitutional backing, several challenges persist:

1. Uneven implementation — French tends to dominate official life, limiting true linguistic equality.
2. Shortage of qualified bilingual personnel in public administration.
3. Regional tensions linked to perceived linguistic marginalization.
4. Limited resources for promoting bilingual education nationwide.
5. Inconsistent translations of legal and official documents, leading to misunderstanding.

These challenges have sparked calls for authentic bilingual reform, emphasizing equality in practice, not just in principle.

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Efforts and Prospects for the Future

The government and private sector continue to reinforce bilingualism through:

• The National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM), created in 2017 to monitor compliance.
• Language training programs for civil servants and students.
• Promotion of bilingual ICT tools and digital resources.
• Encouragement of cultural exchange programs between English and French-speaking communities.

With the rise of technology and social media, young Cameroonians increasingly use code-switching — blending English, French, and local languages — as a creative expression of their hybrid identity.

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Conclusion

Cameroon’s bilingualism is not a mere relic of colonial history; it is a living legacy and a powerful tool for unity, diversity, and progress. The coexistence of English and French — alongside hundreds of indigenous languages — makes Cameroon one of the most linguistically rich nations in the world.

Our unique linguistic heritage reflects not division, but harmony — a constant dialogue between cultures, traditions, and identities. Preserving and promoting it requires commitment, tolerance, and pride in what makes us truly Cameroonian: a people united by diversity, strengthened by language, and inspired by the vision of oneness through understanding.

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