Language Policies in Mali

This chapter discusses language policy and practice in Mali from pre-colonial era to now. The question of language policy in the French former colonies mainly in Mali has remained a complex issue in different aspects in the society. The departure of the French colonial forces from the colonies specifically in Mali gave some leverage to the new independent Malian state to bring some changes to its education and other official domains. Unlike many other countries that were under the French colonial force, at independence Mali embarked in a large reshuffle in the education policies to address the needs of the country. This chapter analyzes the education policies in Mali and other domains such as religion and law courts, and offers some recommendations for an effective language policy in Mali.