The Changing Status of English Language in Sudan
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Sudan has experienced linguistic diversity throughout its history due to factors like migration, population movement, and civil war. While Arabic became dominant in northern Sudan, over 44 languages were spoken in southern Sudan where education was left to missionaries. Two civil wars erupted over imposition of Arabic language and Islamic curriculum in the south. Currently, the Comprehensive Peace Treaty recognizes all indigenous languages as national languages and designates Arabic and English as official working languages of government and for higher education.
The Changing Status of English Language in Sudan
- 1. Past, Present and Future.
- 2. Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa. It is the largest country in Africa.
- 3. Linguistic diversity is a feature of Sudan . This diversity has become a symbol of multiple identities: religious, cultural, ethnic and Linguistic . It is estimated that there are around 177 languages spoken in Sudan (Abu Manga, 2006).
- 4. Sudan has been historically both a north-south and an east-west migration crossroad. This factor and other factors like the constant population movement as a result of drought, famine, civil war and emigration from neighboring countries has made Sudan very diverse linguistically .
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- 6. Language Policy Northern Sudan The British wanted to create an elite administrative body of Sudanese so they opened some primary, intermediate schools to teach English language. 1902 Gordon Memorial Collage was opened. In 1946 it was affiliated with London University. 1934 Bukter Alruda teacher training institute was opened.
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- 9. Language Policy Southern Sudan Education was left for the missionaries. Very few schools were opened. The situation was very complex, 44 languages were spoken. Arabic was spoken as the lingua franca in many areas. "little money there was for education was spent in the North and southern education became 'the lowest priority in a low-priority area' " (Sandell, 1982
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- 11. The First Civil War
- 12. The Second Civil War In 1983 when President Jafaar Numeri declared the nationwide application of Sharia Laws and revived efforts to impose Arabic language and Islamic themed curriculum in the South. A rebellion broke out which turned into a cancerous civil war that continued for more than twenty years with Sudan's People Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M)growing as a major force in the South. Â
- 13. Comprehensive Peace Treaty March 2005 Chapter 2, article 8 of the CPA stated: 2.8 Language 2.8.1. All indigenous languages are national languages which shall be respected and developed and promoted. 2.8.2. Arabic language is the widely spoken national language in the Sudan. 2.8.3. Arabic, as a major language at the national level, and English shall be the official working languages of the national Government business and languages of instruction for higher education. …… 2.8.5 The use of either language at any level of government or education shall not be discriminated against.
- 14. The Future of English Language in Sudan