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French - a language providings many opportunities
2008-06-05 10:11:45
By Gerald Kitabu
French Language is a hidden treasure whose benefits seem to be overlooked. In most Anglophone countries, African countries in particular, French, to which many opportunities accrue, is under-valued at the expense of English.
In this exclusive interview, our columnist Gerald Kitabu caught up with Manyasa Jonace (32), a French Tutorial Assistant at Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) who, among other things, sheds light on opportunities provided by the French language.
QUESTION: What is the role of the French language in Tanzania at present?
ANSWER: At present, French has a vital, though seemingly an implicit role in the socio-economic arena. the French really plays a crucial role in cementing both regional and international ties. Tanzania is therefore likely to be close to French speaking countries through French language. Thus, the role of French is manifested in political, economic, diplomatic as well as cultural issues that exist between Tanzania and her Francophone allies.
Q: Why is English more dominant than the French in the Tanzania context?
A: The difference that exists between English and French in terms of dominance is highly attributed to the status and position of these languages in the Tanzania context. It should be noted that English and French have different positions.
While English is an official language, French is more of a foreign language whose usage is optional. For example, English is used as a medium of instruction from secondary to tertiary levels. On the other hand, French is simply taught as an optional language. Students are obliged to learn English but not French. That is why English takes precedence over French.
Q: Why do many University students show little interest in French language?
A: Like I said earlier, the status of English determines the choice made by students upon arriving at the University. Many Students opt for English because it is a language which seems to be familiar to many of them. It is worth noting that, from their secondary schools and sometimes primary schools, students are well equipped with English language, despite the difficulties they encounter in the course of their studies.
These students prefer English to French, bearing in mind that some of them did French with that purpose of simply passing their national examinations but not as a language which can help them to communicate. Their shunning away from French is, according to me, caused by the poor language background.
Q: What should a language teacher do to arouse interest in students?
A: Frankly speaking, students` interest in language learning is greatly determined by a number of factors, including the teacher\'s competence, attitudes towards students as well as the choice of favourable teaching methodologies or approaches.
The three factors, when adhered to, may arouse students interest in language learning. Usually, language teachers should strive to excel in what they teach because this can have a great impact on the teaching - learning process. There should be a link between what is taught and the students general environment. That is, language teaching should not be exclusively abstract.
Q: What are the opportunities which accrue to French language apart from the classroom environment?.
A: French language is not simply confined to classroom environment. There has been a misconception held by many people towards the French language. Many people take it for granted that once you decide to learn French, you will end up being a teacher of French.
This is really a misconception, for there are other opportunities which accrue to leaner from French. For example, people with French knowledge may do translation and interpretation activities, which are usually lucrative. Moreover, there are hotel activities and other French language related activities, including those ones associated with tourism.
Q: What are your recommendations to the Tanzania government in the promotion of French language?
A: The government should support stakeholders and other well wishers who favour the promotion of French language. It is impontant that, decisive measures should be taken to ensure favourable policies towards French from primary to tertiary levels.
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