English in development in multilingual Ethiopia. Complex Ethiopia 82- 90 million people (2 nd largest next to Nigeria) 80+ Ethnic groups and languages.

English in development in multilingual Ethiopia

Complex Ethiopia

• 82- 90 million people (2nd largest next to Nigeria)

• 80+ Ethnic groups and languages

• A Federal Democratic Republic comprising 9 main Regional states

Ethiopia past: alliances, alienations

English language introduced in the 1940’s

Emperor Haile-Silassie

Amharic forcefully promoted as the lingua franca and an official language, English had

complementary functions

Reason for the introduction of English

- Alliance with Great Britain (after return from exile to the UK) during the 5 years of

Italian occupation

- To modernise the country through transfer of science, technology)

- British came with methodology and materials

- English language was then seen as a mark of prestige (because edu. was for few

elites)

Dergue (Military came to power)Allegiance with socialist block

Alienation of English (with the West) viewed as Imperialists

Attempt to replace it by Amharic at all levels through massive translation project

Project failed, English contd to be MI grade 7 to university level

Poor investment from government; little support from NS countries: cold war effect

Ethiopia now: ‘dreams and realities’

The visible and invisible

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi assures parliament that the eight month period since the launch of the Growth and Transformation Program (GTP) is on track with this year’s economic growth expected to be 11.2 % ( BUT PRICES of Fuel and food increasing)

Change of policy: claims and critiques

Focus on peace with neighbours and stability, poverty reduction, eradication, fast growth

(MDGs), similar language with donors, selling any thing from Ethiopia to the

outside world, increasing FDI

Deliverables!! ‘Darling of donors!?

‘Developmental state like Asian countries’

Ethiopia: UK’s top development aid recipient in Africa

“Ethiopia is a very effective development partner for us in pressing for poverty

alleviation and growth needs. . . the role of Ethiopia in maternal health and the fight

against malaria. 

‘We would not express frustration because there is massive progress being made. I hope that in five and 10 years’ time, Ethiopia will be

playing an active part in trade promotion across eastern Africa.’ (Tim Hitchens director for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth, Reuters and Addis Fortune, April 16, 2011)

Prospects and challenges of ELT in Ethiopia

Secure and consolidated; Increased importance for Ethiopia as a language off Diplomacy

Commerce

Investment

Tourism

Work

Education

Even every day conversation

Prospects and Challenges of ELT in Ethiopia

Increased literacy and proficiency required

Demographic changes >> Even Ethiopian English (L1) users, born in NS countries and in Ethiopia

Unlike 1940’s English is not any more EFL, but ELF

Challenges for teaching and research

Children more proficient than teachers

Discrepancy in access to or opportunity in learning/using English: government vs private school children; rural vs urban

(gain in English seems to be reflected in other subjects)

Private schools currently seem to be doing very well

Some points to considerResearch, not just uncritical introduction of

innovation/system; respite for teachers

Bench marking within

Proficiency based language curriculum, in stead of grammar structure

Coherence between education and professional demands

Teacher training integrate language proficiency (recruitment and process)

Thank you!!!

Contact details:

Nigussie Negash

Ethiopian Civil Service College

P.O. Box 5648

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

[email protected]