Promoting Inclusive Educational Practices

The revitalisation and digitalisation of endangered minority languages are essential for fostering an inclusive society, a concern increasingly acknowledged by linguists, human rights advocates, and sociologists. This study examines the status of formerly marginalised languages and the challenges associated with their de-marginalisation, revitalisation, and digitalisation within teachers’ colleges in Zimbabwe. It argues that insufficient training for native-speaking teachers, lack of curriculum integration, and limited digital resources and language learning applications hinder efforts to revitalise and digitalise formerly marginalised languages, which are vital for enhancing inclusivity and cultural diversity. Using Fishman’s (1991) analytic framework and sociolinguistic theory, the study contends that socio-economic conditions significantly impede efforts for the revitalisation of formerly marginalised languages in Zimbabwean teacher education. It posits that de-minoritisation, revitalisation, and digitalisation are critical in reversing language decline and potential extinction by providing accessible learning resources. The study outlines strategies for de-minoritisation, revitalisation, and digitalisation of formerly marginalised languages in teachers’ colleges to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity. Employing qualitative methods, including document analysis and interviews, the research examines the integration of formerly marginalised languages in college curricula in ten teachers' colleges. Findings reveal that formerly marginalised languages remain marginalised and underrepresented, underscoring an urgent need for revitalisation and digitalisation initiatives. The study concludes that incorporating formerly marginalised languages into teacher training programs promotes inclusivity and enhances cultural diversity. It recommends that teacher training institutions integrate formerly marginalised languages into their curricula and establish online platforms to support the de-minoritisation, revitalisation, and digitalisation of these languages.