Welcome! I Bwega! We are a team from Tharaka University (Kenya), University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) and University of Groningen (Netherlands), interested in how minority languages like Kîîtharaka are learned and used. Our work tackles the challenges facing indigenous languages in the midst of powerful majority languages like English and Kiswahili.
Project background
We are seeking to understand the context and attitudes around the use of Kîîtharaka language in local schools and the community. We hope to understand and shed light on the factors that affect the teaching and learning of Kîîtharaka as an indigenous language, in line with the goals of CBE curriculum.
The Kîîtharaka language is an essential part of the Tharaka community's identity and heritage. However, research evidence shows that literacy levels in Kîîtharaka are quite low compared to the dominant languages, Kiswahili and English.
Intergenerational transmission may also not be as robust as it once was. In response, this project aims to support efforts to revitalise Kîîtharaka through well-researched, inclusive, and participatory strategies, in collaboration with teachers, learners, curriculum developers and policy shapers.
What you will find here
This page hosts project updates, as well as resources in Kîîtharaka, including instructional materials in Kîîtharaka for teachers, as well as recordings of traditional stories, and other cultural artificts.
Interested in getting involved?
Check out the Get Involved page, and contact our team leader Dr. Patrick Kanampiu: patrick.kanampiu@tharaka.ac.ke
