The psychology of mother language: Diversity or adversity towards peace building and cohesion among ethnic communities in Kenya
Abstract
Human Communication is inseparable from human language. Miscommunication, misinterpretation and non-communication can contribute to conflict. The psychology of mother language is key in the interpretation and meaning of words. Usually, conflict between different ethnic groups often result from different language contact. Kenya, a multi-ethnic society has experienced a myriad of conflicts in the recent past. An effective conflict resolution tool should take the cultural and linguistic factors into consideration. A language learned in childhood carries strong emotional resonances while ethnic identity is a manner in which persons, on account of their ethnic origin, locate themselves psychologically in relation to which they perceive others as locating them in relation to those systems. Most Kenyan children are denied a chance of developing literacy in their mother language denying them of their culture, their language and history losing confidence in themselves, family, society and their nation. Patriotism becomes elusive. They may become vulnerable to radicalization. It is against this backdrop that this paper sought to determine the state of peace among ethnic communities in Kenya, the role of mother language in enhancing peace and determine whether mother language diversity fuels adversity and explain the psychology of mother language on peace building and cohesion.
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