Challenges to management of linguistic : diversity in the Sudan

Abstract EN

This paper maintains that, even after the secession of the South, the Sudan is still characterized by linguistic diversity, whose management is faced by many challenges.

The paper starts by describing the present linguistic map of the Sudan in terms of the multiplicity and diversity of its languages.

The major language problem in the Sudan is the erroneous belief among both the ‘Arabists’ and the indigenous languages’ activists that Arabic and the indigenous languages are mutually exclusive (i.e.

in competition against one another).

This belief stems from the wrong language policies of the colonial administration and the immediate following national government.

It still survives and constitutes the biggest challenge to management of linguistic diversity management