(17) geographical settlement and geopolitical significance of the language (Kebede, 2005). (16) the economic contribution of linguistic groups: Major sources of incomes including drinking water. Take for instance music programs of federal media such as ETV (now EBC) and FM 97.1. (15) federal language choice has federal culture choice implication. (14) for the purpose of democratic participation: "Where political debate is conducted in the selected language, the speakers of other languages are at a disadvantage" (Patten & Kymlicka, 2003). The language in which patients are treated in federal hospitals matters. (12) mass media consequences of federal language choice: the chosen language will be given a favor (through the state subsidy and private business preferences) in broadcasting media, print media and online media. (11) freedom of expression aspect of federal language choice: The right to express opinion freely implies the right to do so in the language of one's own choice in accordance with Art 19, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). (10) to enhance national consensus and unity, and discourage separatist nationalism. (9) power sharing requires language: The composition of the federal leadership has to reflect the diverse society it claims to represent. Fully cognizant that our common destiny can best be served by rectifying historically unjust relationships" (Preamble of the Constitution). (8) to rectify historical linguistic central injustices which promised that "We, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia. (7) tax consequences of language choice: the state has the burden to exactly compensate those who must learn the chosen language (in terms of time, money and moral) through negative taxes (receive a subsidy) (Pool, 1991). (6) demographic factor: the numerical size of the speakers of a certain language in proportion to the whole population (sliding scale model) is the most frequent reason (See, for example, a memorandum signed between the Union and individual States of India in 1956 See also Part IV of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, 1992). (5) symbolic social identity (primordial benefit) of the working language choice. (4) for the state legitimacy purpose (Turgeon and Gagnon, 2013).
(3) collective equality of linguistic groups. (2) the rights of individuals belonging to linguistic minorities to participate effectively according to Art 2 of the 1992 UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious or Linguistic Minorities. 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Right and Art, 1 of the Convention against Discrimination in Education of 1960. The first (1) is the right to non-discrimination at the hands of the state due to language, which is stipulated in Art. The term 'national language' elevates the language in question to the status of the national identity/citizenship, the national flag and the national anthem (Mputubwele, 2003). This is so because official language (legal status) is often connected with wider political issues of sovereignty, nationalism, and the rights of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, including immigrant communities. The term 'official language' may not necessarily mean office language. It is a language that is given a unique legal status in supra-national organizations such as the UN and the AU, federation or province or other body as its primary means of government communication: in short public service delivery language. A working language is a procedural administrative or office language. First, the term 'working language' is not the same with the term 'national language'. Birhanemeskel based on the major findings of my thesis.īefore listing the top twenty three compelling reasons one by one, however, it is important to make clarifications on some points that are commonly misunderstood by many. In this brief reflection, I would like to build on the ten points raised by Dr. It explored the reasons used (and should be used) for adopting working language/s. The overall thesis was devoted to theoretical understanding of the general principles and international comparative experiences, and practical consequences of choosing working language/s in multilingual countries. The title of my thesis was "Ethiopia's Choice of Federal Working Language and Its Implications for Non-Amharic Languages: The Case of Afaan Oromoo". thesis defended in 2003 Ethiopian Academic Year at Addis Ababa University (AAU). His observation reminded me of my own M.A. Birhanemeskel Abebe, a renowned Ethiopian academician, came up with "Top Ten Reasons why Afaan Oromo should be the federal working language".
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