Radio broadcasting and contribution to indigenous language vitality in Zimbabwe

In recent years, radio in Zimbabwe has emerged as a vital platform for promoting indigenous and minority languages. This study evaluates the role of diverse radio stations in promoting indigenous languages in Zimbabwe to mitigate the risk of their loss. Using a qualitative research design that involves qualitative content analysis of 36 scheduled radio programs and 15 key informant interviews with radio and language professionals, the study evaluates language preferences, policy influences, and institutional practices that shape linguistic diversity on air. The findings indicate that community radio stations and some national radio stations play a central role in preserving indigenous and minority languages. Commercial urban stations contribute marginally, prioritizing English for commercial appeal, while campus radio stations demonstrate irregular efforts but show potential for multilingual broadcasting and language promotion. Given these findings, the study concludes that radio in Zimbabwe remains a powerful, yet unbalanced tool for promoting indigenous language vitality. Recommendations include establishing a national language policy for equitable indigenous language coverage on radio, supporting community radio stations with resources for minority language content, incentivizing commercial radio stations to include indigenous languages, strengthening professional training in indigenous language broadcasting, launching pilot multilingual youth programs on campus radio stations, and utilizing radio for multilingual crisis communication.