Language Policy in Somaliland and Somalia

In this chapter, we examine language policy in Somaliland and Somalia, particularly in the following settings: schools, media, government spaces: parliament, judiciary or law, hospitals, and offices; business spaces: markets, stores, and religious places like masjids (mosques). Then, we examine policy influence for each area and how this language policy impacted locals during and after the colonial era, including minority languages where applicable. The study utilizes various resources related to this topic, including interviews with ten people in Somaliland and Somalia. Also, those who live abroad and have a direct contact with locals whose children are in private, secondary, and higher education institutions, both private and public, were interviewed. Somalis who moved back to their homeland with children were also interviewed.