Linosi, Bravo M.2024-06-052024-06-052024http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3889A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of educationThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Silozi as a medium of instruction literacy in junior primary schools through the case study of four primary schools in the Zambezi Region. Although the study was mainly qualitative, it adopted a pragmatic parallel mixed methods design employing both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The following data collection methods were used: questionnaire, observations, and semi-structured interviews. The purpose of using parallel mixed methods was to enable the researcher to collect and concurrently analyse data to gain in-depth information and perspectives on the use of Silozi as a medium of instruction. A total of 29 respondents were chosen for the study: 12 teachers, 4 principals, 1 advisory teacher and 12 parents. Data obtained through questionnaires, observations and semi-structured interviews were triangulated into themes and categories, documented, and interpreted after analysis. The study revealed that the language situation in the Zambezi Region is complex and not cognisant of the region’s linguistic heterogeneity. The study further revealed several factors that influence using Silozi as a medium of instruction which included the differences in the languages spoken at home and the language of classroom instruction, lack of adequate instructional materials, inadequate Silozi reading materials within the school and home environments, lack of proficiency in Silozi for some teachers and learners, negative parental and teacher attitudes towards the use of Silozi as medium of instruction. It was therefore recommended that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture should promote the Silozi language among communities in the Zambezi Region, strengthen Silozi as a medium of instruction through teacher training and supporting the development of instructional materials to bridge the gap between the language of classroom instruction and the home languageenSilozijunior primary schoolsZambezi education regionNamibiaLiteracyMedium of instructionSilozi languageThesis