An Exploration into the Availability of Policy on the Use of Afan Oromo Dialects in Primary Education: Focus on Oromia Educational Program

Abstract

that clarifies how and which
dialects should be selected for instructional purposes. Besides, the data revealed that there is
no responsible department or individual at Oromia State level who decides the dialects that
should be used for textbook and national exam writing. This could create challenges on what and which Afan Oromo dialects to use in the textbooks and national Exams. The existence of such a gap may make that Exam and textbook writers to select the dialects they are more familiar with probably their own native dialects. This, in turn, would make some students more beneficiaries, while leaving the other students at a disadvantage. To avoid such problem and confusion, the Oromia Regional Government, Oromia Education Bureau, Afan Oromo Standardization Committee and other concerned bodies should prepare a clear policy that dictates the selection of Afan Oromo dialects for the textbooks and national Exams writing.