Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04DJIBOUTI1507
2004-11-23 10:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Djibouti
Cable title:  

DJIBOUTI EXPRESSES INTEREST IN ANGLICIZATION

Tags:  PREL PGOV SCUL KPAO DJ 
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UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001507 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV SCUL KPAO DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI EXPRESSES INTEREST IN ANGLICIZATION

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001507

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV SCUL KPAO DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI EXPRESSES INTEREST IN ANGLICIZATION


1. (U) Djibouti is an isolated francophone country,
surrounded by countries where the official languages all
include English. The recent presence of the U.S. military
in Djibouti has underscored a language barrier. After the
Government of Djibouti, the U.S. Government is the second
largest employer. Numerous conversations with Djiboutian
citizens at all levels indicate an interest in "anglicizing"
the country.


2. (U) Among Djiboutian youth, there is a growing
recognition of the value of speaking English. Job
opportunities are limited in Djibouti with unemployment
estimated to exceed 50%. A command of English increases
opportunities abroad for educated individuals and for
professional positions with entities such as the U.S.
Embassy. Even the uneducated find that English gives them
an advantage applying for jobs created by the U.S. military
at Camp Lemonier.


3. (U) English language clubs (for Djiboutians to practice
English) at the university and high schools frequently ask
the American Embassy for assistance with materials, money,
time, and ideas. During International Education Week, about
75 students and teachers came to a joint presentation at the
university by the Embassy and International Foundation for
Education and Self-Help (IFESH). The turnout was
surprisingly large given that the students and teachers had
been striking and most classes had not been in session for
over a week.


4. (U) In addition, Mohamed Ali Hassan, Director of
Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Relations
expressed to ConOff during a courtesy call a strong desire
for more English language ability in the Djiboutian
government. He bemoaned the lack of language skills among
his peers, stating that it hampers bilateral relations. Mr.
Hassan benefited from an International Visitor Program to
the U.S., and talked about his experience enthusiastically,
expressing hope that his colleagues in the Djiboutian
government can experience the program as well.


5. (SBU) Comment: Djibouti is reaching out to its
neighbors, attempting to increase trade opportunities in
East Africa and the Middle East. With funding from the
United Arab Emirates, the Government is building a new
deepwater port to position itself as a center of trade.
Djibouti is a member of the Arab league. While French is
more commonly spoken in government, Arabic is also an
official language in Djibouti. Anglicization would open
more opportunities within Africa, and reduce dependence on
their Middle Eastern neighbors. It is in U.S. interests to
continue to encourage the interest in Anglicization and to
assist Djibouti to develop English language capability.
Embassy will work with the Department to explore
opportunities to encouraged English language development in
Djibouti. End comment.