My name is Amlaku Bikss. I did my BA degree in Foreign Languages and Literature, and my MA degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language both at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. I have taught English for over 10 years at all levels: Primary to Tertiary. Now I am planning to join Addis Ababa University for a third time for a PhD degree in Applied Linguistics and Communication.

English in Ethiopia

English in Ethiopia is a subject from Kindergarten to grade six in some regions, and to grade eight in some regions. Starting from grade seven in some regions and grade nine in some other regions, English is a medium of instruction. At higher institutions too it is a language of instruction as well as communication and work. Yet, in practice English is weakened by the use of local languages, dominantly Amharic, in classes and outside.

Ethiopians in English

Despite the status English is given in schools and universities, students and graduates are not competent in English language. They lack the confidence in all the skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The government is making efforts, althogh not concerted and participatory, to improve the English language skills of English teachers in particular, and the education system in general.

The teaching and teachers of English

Teachers of English in Ethiopia are mostly trained by domestic/ ethiopian training bodies. Therefore, they could be no different from their teachers/trainers. Once they are trained, the majority usually do not get refresher courses, do not attend national and international conferences, symposiums, etc.

Teaching resources are scarce in most circumstances. English language teaching technologies such as computers, Internet, cell phones, ipods, etc. are new to both teachers and students. Even if anyone is familiar to, there is no available supply and working system to use them in the teaching. Let alone such modern technologies, genuine print media such as newspapers, newsletters, course books are not accessible for students and teachers.

So the teaching depends on the personal efforts and wisdom of the teachers and of the student. It can be possible to say that ELT in Ethiopia is sufferring and crippling. Nevertheless, there are no international bodies seated in Ethiopia and trying to study and improve the ELT, except the British Council.

Therefore, could anyone be interested to make suggestions or come to Ethiopia to dedicate him/herself to working on the improvement of EFL/TEFL in Ethiopia.

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1. All the above ideas are all my personal observations and experiences, and if any contradiction, misinformation or correction I would kindly accept and correct.

2. If anyone is interested to continue the discussion, you are welcome. More people can be involved and raise problems and ideas of solution by supporting with evidence and documents.

Thank you!