TITLE:
Overcoming Language Barriers in Multilingual Chad: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Communication
AUTHORS:
Deudjolbo Narcisse, Aboubakar Abdramane Mahamat Adam
KEYWORDS:
Multilingualism, Language Policy, Additive Multilingualism, Educational Access, Inclusive Communication, Chad
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: In multilingual postcolonial contexts, the choice of language plays a crucial role in determining access to education, public services, and broader social participation. This study explores how language practices in key public sectors affect comprehension, engagement, and inclusion in multilingual Chad. Drawing on theories of language policy, power dynamics, and language as an access infrastructure, the research adopts a convergent mixed-methods approach. Data were gathered from 240 participants across four sectors, including education, healthcare, governance, and media. This spans diverse linguistic backgrounds and urban-rural settings. Quantitative findings reveal that French-only communication in institutions is linked to significantly lower levels of understanding and participation, especially in rural areas. In contrast, the use of Chadian Arabic and indigenous languages enhances comprehension, boosts confidence, and encourages greater institutional engagement. Qualitative insights further explain these patterns, emphasizing the importance of trust, comfort in interaction, and opportunities for meaningful communication. The findings highlight how language barriers act as structural obstacles to learning and participation, which affects not just formal education but also everyday interactions with public institutions. This study argues that adopting additive multilingual strategies can improve inclusive communication and promote access without diminishing the importance of official languages. These results carry significant implications for educational policy, language-in-education frameworks, and communication practices in multilingual societies.