1. English in development in multilingual Ethiopia

2. Complex Ethiopia 82- 90 million people (2 nd largest next to Nigeria) 80+ Ethnic groups and languages A Federal Democratic Republic comprising 9 main Regional states

4. Ethiopia past: alliances, alienations English language introduced in the 1940s Emperor Haile-Silassie Amharic forcefully promoted as the lingua franca and an official language, English had complementary functions

5. 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)

6. 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

7. Ethiopia now: dreams and realities

9. 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 years economic growth expected to be 11.2 % ( BUT PRICES of Fuel and food increasing)

10. 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

11. Deliverables!! Darling of donors!? Developmental state like Asian countries Ethiopia: UKs 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.

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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 1940s English is not any more EFL, but ELF

15. 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

16. Some points to consider Research, 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)

17. Thank you!!! Contact details: Nigussie Negash Ethiopian Civil Service College P.O. Box 5648 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia nnegashyj3@gmail.com