Mauritania has been a long time under the rule of French colonization. As an outcome of this period of colonization, Mauritanian people used to learn French. It was the language of teaching and administration. The educational system was divided into two main categories.This traditional system, based on teaching Koranic and religious studies, was in Arabic.The modern system, brought by the colonists and use in other areas of education, was French. After independence, the French language was used in the country but with Arabic as language alongside French. According to the Mauritanian constitution, Arabic is the first educational language, while French is taught beginning in the sixth grade.
Openness to English
Since the position of English in business, as well as in science and technology makes it global, the Mauritanian government has encouraged the study of English. "The Ministry of Higher Education during the past years offered licenses to about 20 institutes teaching English and required them to hire teachers from international universities with adequate English teaching experience." (Dah, 2015). English Language now provides hunderds of job oportunities, what makes a wide number of Mauritanians tend to learn it. Discussions are in progress now among Mauritanian educational authorities on including both languages in the curriculum. Some people call for changing the language of Mauritanian curriculum from French to English, since English is now the most popular internationally spoken language.
Since the position of English in business, as well as in science and technology makes it global, the Mauritanian government has encouraged the study of English. "The Ministry of Higher Education during the past years offered licenses to about 20 institutes teaching English and required them to hire teachers from international universities with adequate English teaching experience." (Dah, 2015). English Language now provides hunderds of job oportunities, what makes a wide number of Mauritanians tend to learn it. Discussions are in progress now among Mauritanian educational authorities on including both languages in the curriculum. Some people call for changing the language of Mauritanian curriculum from French to English, since English is now the most popular internationally spoken language.
English and Business in Mauritania
As the importance and the need for English is being increased ate a great rate, and as far as the English has become the most wanted language, Mauritanians started paying more attention to mastering English. One of the manifestations of the openness to English, is the huge number of English centers and institutes that are spreading in the country." English teaching institutes are spreading rapidly around Mauritania as the nation’s young people are eager to learn it to get jobs in local, Arab, and African markets. In Mauritania, teaching English is a new business, which still suffers from chaos with the absence of a specific educational strategy and certified curricula." (Dah, 2015). Flourishing of the tourism sector and the influx of exploration companies created many job opportunities to English speakers.
As the importance and the need for English is being increased ate a great rate, and as far as the English has become the most wanted language, Mauritanians started paying more attention to mastering English. One of the manifestations of the openness to English, is the huge number of English centers and institutes that are spreading in the country." English teaching institutes are spreading rapidly around Mauritania as the nation’s young people are eager to learn it to get jobs in local, Arab, and African markets. In Mauritania, teaching English is a new business, which still suffers from chaos with the absence of a specific educational strategy and certified curricula." (Dah, 2015). Flourishing of the tourism sector and the influx of exploration companies created many job opportunities to English speakers.
English and International Partnership
The tremendous spread of English generated a great need for making deep international relations with the English world. In order to strengthen their systems, and boost their programs, the Mauritanian institutes aim to create good international relations with U.S. and U.K. Umbessies and universities. "Many of the institutes are hoping to create international partnerships with U.S. universities and institutes to strengthen their curricula. In parallel with these private institutes, the U.S. Embassy in Mauritania opened an English learning center along with a library of books and magazines for new English learners. The center attracted Mauritanian youth wanting to prepare for international tests, such as TOEFL and IELTS. About 100 Mauritanians are enrolled in this center. The embassy organizes 10 cultural exchange trips annually for Mauritanian students to the United States including visits to some universities." (Dah, 2015).
The tremendous spread of English generated a great need for making deep international relations with the English world. In order to strengthen their systems, and boost their programs, the Mauritanian institutes aim to create good international relations with U.S. and U.K. Umbessies and universities. "Many of the institutes are hoping to create international partnerships with U.S. universities and institutes to strengthen their curricula. In parallel with these private institutes, the U.S. Embassy in Mauritania opened an English learning center along with a library of books and magazines for new English learners. The center attracted Mauritanian youth wanting to prepare for international tests, such as TOEFL and IELTS. About 100 Mauritanians are enrolled in this center. The embassy organizes 10 cultural exchange trips annually for Mauritanian students to the United States including visits to some universities." (Dah, 2015).
Retrived from http://www.al-fanarmedia.org/2015/08/english-is-all-the-rage-in-mauritania/
In addition to this, there is also the TVET UK Higher Institute of English which opened its door by the end of 2016. The Higher Institute of English opened in the capital city of Nouakchott, and will be focused on teaching English, but will also offer part time courses in for vocational education and training in the armed forces, government ministries and other businesses. Its major element in the government strategy is to boost Mauritania’s capability in international relations, including trade and commerce, and it serves as a showcase for UK educational expertise. The institute is the first collaboration between Mauritania and the UK in the education sector, and is set to open in July. Operated by TVET UK members, it will offer full-time degree courses and part time courses developed to meet the needs of government ministries, the armed forces, and local and international business. In spite of the increasing number of students wanting to learn English, French remains the language instilled in the everyday life of Mauritanians and the working language of official authorities.
English and Politics in Mauritania
In the political scene, English has been almost absent. The languages used widely in the political domain are Arabic and French. Since the French was the language of the educated class, it has gained a very important position in Mauritania. The parliament with of its chambers, the courts, and administrative offices use French and Arabic.
In the political scene, English has been almost absent. The languages used widely in the political domain are Arabic and French. Since the French was the language of the educated class, it has gained a very important position in Mauritania. The parliament with of its chambers, the courts, and administrative offices use French and Arabic.
English in Mauritanian Media
After the 1991 referendum, an order concerning the freedom of the press was promulgated on July 25 of the same year. This began a huge media boost and many new publications appeared in both Arabic and French. These are the languages that are officially used in broadcasting. A Mauritanian privet Chanel, called Alwataniye TV, made the only attempt of including English in Mauritanian media. Alwataniya channel, officially, adapted an English newsletter among its schedule. But this experience failed.
After the 1991 referendum, an order concerning the freedom of the press was promulgated on July 25 of the same year. This began a huge media boost and many new publications appeared in both Arabic and French. These are the languages that are officially used in broadcasting. A Mauritanian privet Chanel, called Alwataniye TV, made the only attempt of including English in Mauritanian media. Alwataniya channel, officially, adapted an English newsletter among its schedule. But this experience failed.
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An English report broadcasted by Alwataniya channel.