Foreign Languages in Ethiopia: A heyday of French

Abstract

This study examines the first four decades of the one-hundred-and-twenty years old sociolinguistic roles of the French language in Ethiopia. The study covers the period from 1897, when the first bilateral agreements between King Menilik and the then representative of France, Lagarde, were signed, to 1935. It is noted that in this period, which is the heyday of French in Ethiopia, missionaries from France and diplomatic relations between France and Ethiopia have played major roles in popularizing French in Ethiopia's education system and print media. The French language and culture also played pivotal roles in moulding emerging urban and elite culture in Ethiopia. French’s influence may also be observed in the positive attitude, which the Ethiopian urban people have towards the language French.

Keywords: Ethiopia, French, history, education, mass media

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/64-01

Publication date:May 31^st 2021