French colonial authorities only contemplated African-language instruction in the 1930s.

Evidence

Only in the 1930’s would Dakar contemplate, for the first time, some instruction in African languages. See, for example, ANS, Circulaire no. 107, Gouverneur general to lieutenants gouverneurs, Apr. 8, I933, which discussed “enseignement populaire.” Even then, however, the emphasis remained upon teaching Africans “spoken French.” — Alice L. Conklin, A Mission to Civilize_ The Republican…, 1209

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the broader theme of linguistic imperialism and forced assimilation in French colonial education policy — relates to the reader’s core interest in republican ideals being imposed on West Africa.