In this research work, we are interested by multilingualism issue in francophone african countries. The study is focused on applied linguistics and especially language policy (Guespin and Marcellesi). It questiones French language history and tries to understand how this linguistic account can inspire african political leaders in their desire to emancipate african languages. The study is essentially based on Burkina Faso language policy. It appears from our analysis that despites the complex linguistic situation of these countries, a real political will can lead to an effective and efficient language policy for the well-being of african language as well as Burkina Faso’s ones. And the new language policy of this country constitutes an outset in the management of linguistic patrimony of this country even if some challenges must be overcome.
Keywords: States, multilingualism, african languages, French, language policy.
