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The Relationship Between Vernacular Language Study and Academic English Proficiency in Fiji

Chandra Rao

The University of the South Pacific Suva Fiji

Michael Harrington

University of Queensland Australia

This study examines the relationship between academic achievement in the vernacular languages and English in Fiji. For many South Pacific countries with a colonial history, Fiji included, the accommodation of vernacular literacy was, and remains a complex issue. One important aspect of this issue is the role of teaching the vernacular languages, Fijian or Hindi, alongside instruction in English. In particular, there is the long-held view by many sectors of the Fijian community that vernacular language study has a detrimental effect on academic performance in English. This study compares performance by Fijian students who study a vernacular language in addition to the required English subject, and those students who only study English. Data on language and academic achievement were obtained from the Ministry of Education administered Fiji Junior Certificate Examination (FJCE) for 10 schools for the year 1994. Correlational analysis and analysis of variance were used to assess the relationships between language study, ethnicity, and academic achievement. The findings of this study do not support the belief that the simultaneous study of a vernacular language negatively affects academic performance in English.

RELC Journal, Vol. 28, No. 1, 161-174 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/003368829702800110
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