The Constitution of Papua New Guinea (PNG), established in 1975, enshrines the importance of English as one of the official languages in the country, which has a diverse linguistic landscape. Article 5 of the Constitution states, "The National Language of Papua New Guinea shall be English," emphasizing its role in governance, education, and communication among the various ethnic groups. This constitutional recognition promotes the use and development of English as a unifying medium, thus facilitating better access to education and participation in civic life, leading to improvements in English proficiency throughout the population (Murray, 2002). Furthermore, the inclusion of English in government and educational contexts encourages the assimilation of English language skills, helping individuals engage more effectively in both local and international affairs (Sneddon, 2003). Through these frameworks, the Constitution serves as a vital tool in fostering English language competency in PNG, promoting a social environment where English can flourish as a key to opportunity and connectivity.
References:
- Murray, S. (2002). The Language of Papua New Guinea: Its Use and Status. In Languages of Papua New Guinea, ed. Michael E. Krauss.
- Sneddon, J. N. (2003). The Indonesian Language: Its History and Role in Modern Society. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press.
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