Attitudes of the Creoles of Bluefields towards the implementation of their mother tongue Kriol in Primary Education EIB

Abstract

This study was conducted among members of the Creole community of Bluefields in order to know their attitudes related to the use of Kriol language in the Intercultural Bilingual Education Program (EIB in Spanish). The research has provided information on the importance of using the Kriol mother tongue as language of instruction and education in the training of ethnic, linguistic and cultural identity of Creole children of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast. The results have shown the existence of historical, economic and social factors that have influenced the attitude of Kriol-speaking in the implementation of their mother tongue in the classrooms. Such attitudes are basically a result of the discrimination the Creole people have faced through their mother tongue, the lack of employment opportunities and access to education to study their language and culture. Also, in most cases, the Kriol-speaking maintain positive attitudes towards the implementation of their mother tongue in the classrooms, arguing that by its use, students learn to express themselves with more confidence; they achieve better academic results and strengthen their self-esteem. Parallel to this, the group stated that beside the Kriol, they wish their children could learn the English language, due to the fact that this language in the future would provide them better job opportunities.