Speaking as One: Why Liberia Needs a National Language to Unite and Empower Its People

Language is one of the most powerful tools for building national identity, fostering unity, and driving development. In Liberia, a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups, the absence of a national language that reflects its indigenous identity has left a gap in the nation’s collective consciousness. While English remains the official language, it is a colonial inheritance that does not fully capture the essence of Liberia’s unique cultural tapestry. 

The time has come for Liberia to revisit the idea of adopting a national language - one that is rooted in its indigenous heritage and capable of uniting its people. Liberia’s linguistic diversity is both a blessing and a challenge. With over 20 indigenous languages spoken across the country, each tied to distinct ethnic groups, the question of a national language is complex. However, Liberia is not alone in facing this challenge. Many African nations have successfully adopted national languages to bridge ethnic divides and promote unity. These examples provide valuable lessons for Liberia as it considers how to move forward. 

Lessons from Other African Nations Tanzania offers one of the most compelling examples of how a national language can transform a country. Under the leadership of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania adopted Swahili as its national language. Swahili was chosen because it was widely spoken and neutral among Tanzania’s more than 120 ethnic groups. Nyerere understood that a shared language could foster unity and national identity, and his vision proved successful. Today, Swahili is not only a symbol of Tanzanian identity but also a practical tool for communication, education, and governance. Tanzania’s success demonstrates that a carefully chosen national language can transcend ethnic divisions and create a shared sense of belonging. 

Rwanda provides another example. After the devastating genocide in 1994, Rwanda adopted Kinyarwanda as its national language. Kinyarwanda is spoken by nearly all Rwandans, regardless of ethnic background, making it a natural choice for unifying the country. The decision to prioritize Kinyarwanda has helped Rwanda heal from its past, strengthen its national identity, and promote inclusivity. By embracing a language that is deeply rooted in its culture, Rwanda has demonstrated the power of language to rebuild and unify a nation. 

South Africa, a country with 11 official languages, demonstrates that linguistic diversity can coexist with national unity. While South Africa’s approach is different from Tanzania’s and Rwanda’s, it underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the languages spoken by its people. Liberia can draw inspiration from these examples and tailor its approach to its unique context. 

Lessons from Ghana and Zambia Ghana and Zambia offer additional insights into how multilingual policies can work effectively. Ghana recognizes nine government-sponsored languages alongside English, which remains the official language. These languages are used in education, media, and public communication, ensuring that citizens can engage with the state in their native tongues. This approach has helped Ghana preserve its linguistic heritage while promoting inclusivity. By incorporating multiple languages into its national framework, Ghana has managed to balance its linguistic diversity with the need for a unifying medium. 

Zambia, on the other hand, has adopted seven official regional languages in addition to English. These languages are used in schools and government communication, reflecting Zambia’s commitment to linguistic diversity. By embracing multiple languages, Zambia has managed to foster a sense of belonging among its various ethnic groups while maintaining English as a unifying medium. Zambia’s model shows that a multilingual approach can work when there is a clear policy framework and commitment to inclusivity. 

Liberia could learn from these models by adopting a multilingual approach that reflects its linguistic diversity. However, unlike Ghana and Zambia, Liberia’s relatively smaller population and fewer dominant languages make it feasible to adopt a single national language, provided it is chosen inclusively and with broad consensus. 

Liberia’s Past Efforts: The Kpelle Initiative 

Liberia has attempted to adopt a national language before. During the presidency of William Richard Tolbert Jr., there was an effort to make Kpelle - the language of Liberia’s largest ethnic group - the national language. Tolbert’s vision was rooted in the idea of embracing Liberia’s indigenous heritage and fostering unity through a shared language. However, the initiative faced strong political resistance. Critics argued that elevating Kpelle would marginalize other ethnic groups and deepen divisions. The effort ultimately failed, leaving Liberia without a national language that reflects its cultural identity. 

The failure of the Kpelle initiative highlights the importance of inclusivity and careful planning. A national language must be chosen through a process that involves extensive consultation with all ethnic groups to ensure that no community feels excluded or marginalized. It must also be accompanied by policies that promote multilingualism, allowing citizens to retain their local dialects while learning the national language. 

The Downside of Liberian Colloquial 

Some may argue that Liberian Colloquial - a form of English infused with indigenous linguistic elements - already serves as a unifying language. While Liberian Colloquial is widely spoken and understood, it is not a true representation of Liberia’s indigenous heritage. It is a derivative of English, shaped by colonial history, and lacks the cultural depth and identity that an indigenous language would provide. Moreover, Liberian Colloquial is informal and inconsistent, making it unsuitable for official communication, education, or governance. Relying solely on Liberian Colloquial risks perpetuating the dominance of English while sidelining Liberia’s indigenous languages. A national language rooted in Liberia’s indigenous heritage would provide a stronger foundation for unity and identity, complementing Liberian Colloquial rather than replacing it. 

Why Liberia Needs a National Language 

The benefits of adopting a national language are profound. First and foremost, it would strengthen Liberia’s national identity. A shared language rooted in Liberia’s indigenous heritage would provide Liberians with a unifying cultural touchstone, fostering pride in their shared history and traditions. Second, a national language would promote social cohesion. Liberia’s ethnic diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but it can also be a source of division. A national language would serve as a bridge, facilitating communication and understanding among different ethnic groups. 

Third, a national language could drive economic development. A unified language would make it easier for Liberians to trade, collaborate, and innovate. It would also improve access to education and governance, ensuring that all Liberians can participate fully in the nation’s development. Fourth, adopting a national language would preserve and celebrate Liberia’s indigenous heritage. Many of Liberia’s indigenous languages are at risk of being overshadowed by English. A national language policy would ensure that these languages are not only preserved but also celebrated as integral parts of Liberia’s identity. 

Addressing the Challenges 

Critics may argue that Liberia’s linguistic diversity makes the adoption of a national language impractical. However, this diversity should be seen as a strength, not a barrier. The process of selecting a national language must be inclusive and transparent, involving input from all ethnic groups. It must also be accompanied by policies that promote multilingualism, allowing citizens to retain their local dialects while learning the national language. One approach could be to adopt a lingua franca - a language that is widely spoken and understood across Liberia - as the national language. This could be Kpelle, given its widespread use, or Bassa that is neutral and inclusive. Alternatively, Liberia could adopt multiple national languages, reflecting its linguistic diversity while promoting unity.   

Moving Forward 

The question of a national language is not merely about communication; it is about identity, unity, and progress. Liberia has an opportunity to lead by example, showing the world that a nation can embrace its diversity while fostering a shared sense of belonging. The process will require careful planning, extensive consultation, and a commitment to inclusivity. It will also require political will and leadership to overcome resistance and build consensus. Let us honor the legacy of President Tolbert’s vision by reigniting the conversation about a national language - this time with a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity. Together, we can build a Liberia that is not only united in purpose but also in voice. A national language is not just a symbol; it is a tool for empowerment, a bridge to unity, and a foundation for progress. The time to act is now! 

About the Author 

Moses Zangar, Jr. is a Liberian journalist and Communication for Development (C4D) specialist, bringing years of expertise from the frontlines of media and global organizations like the United Nations.

Author: Moses Zangar, Jr.