Malawi's recent education statistics show that a high percentage of pupils do not achieve their study goals and subsequently drop out of school. This study examines the underlying reasons, yet the main focus rests on the language of instruction. Learners in three different language areas in Malawi participated in a picture-based test to find out whether the development of problem-oriented logical thinking is influenced by the instruction in the mother tongue in early primary school. Answers are offered with the help of tests and observations during the tests, as well as interviews with teachers, parents, and decision makers. (Series: Beitrage zur Afrikanistik / Contributions to African - Vol. 21)