Languages of Papua New Guinea

The Vernacular Factor in Literacy in West Gulf Province Schools of PNG

Statement of Responsibility:
Petterson, Robert
Series Issue:
108
Issue Date:
2013
Extent:
43 pages
Abstract:
This paper presents a detailed report of surveys of thirty-three primary and elementary schools in the western portion of the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea, and literacy testing in thirteen of those schools. A particular focus of the research was to compare literacy rates of people who had been educated using an “English-only” model of education with those of people who had received initial instruction in their mother tongue. While overall outcomes are quite poor, students who were given initial education in their mother tongue consistently out-performed peers who were educated under an “English-only” model. Other factors that contribute to the very poor education outcomes that are found in this region are also discussed.
Publication Status:
Published
Content Language:
Work Type:
Nature of Work:
Part of Series:
SIL Electronic Working Papers 2013-001
Entry Number:
53384