Niger Redefines Language Policy, Hausa Takes Center Stage

Niger's military government has officially designated Hausa as the country's new national language, signaling a move away from its colonial past where French was dominant. This change was formalized in a new charter released on March 31 and published in a special edition of the government's official journal.

The document states, "The national language is Hausa," while "the working languages are English and French." Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, understood by most of its 26 million people, whereas only about 3 million people (13%) speak French.

The new charter also recognizes nine other local languages—Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic—as "the spoken languages of Niger."

Since the coup in July 2023, the military junta has been severing ties with France, including removing French troops, ending diplomatic relations, and renaming roads and buildings with French names.

Mali and Burkina Faso, also led by military governments and former French colonies, are taking similar steps, including withdrawing from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.

Comments

Thanksgiving: A time to count our blessings and cherish our loved ones

Credit: Megan Watson Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, marking a time for families and friends to gather and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. The holiday's origins trace back to the early 17th century, with the most famous celebration occurring in 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast. However, it wasn't until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, aiming to unify the nation amidst turmoil. Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved into a secular celebration characterized by family gatherings, parades like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and football games, while also heralding the beginning of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday following closely behind. Integrating thanksgiving and gratitude into daily life can enhance well-being and foster a positive mindset . Here are several ...

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson in Controversial Showdown

In a clash that captivated the boxing world, Jake Paul emerged victorious over legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson in a highly publicized match held on November 15, 2024 , at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas . The event, broadcasted live on Netflix , attracted a massive audience of 70,000 fans, eager to witness the spectacle of youth versus experience. The fight was marketed as a thrilling encounter, but it ultimately fell flat in terms of excitement. Paul, the 27-year-old social media star turned boxer, claimed a unanimous decision victory with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 from the judges. However, many spectators and analysts criticized the bout for lacking intensity and drama. From the opening bell, Paul showcased his speed and agility, employing effective jabs and quick combinations to keep Tyson at bay. The former champion, now 58 years old and fighting for the first time in nearly two decades, struggled to find his footing. Although Tyson managed to land a few body shots ...

Take Control of Your Money: A Guide to Financial Literacy I

Credit: Carlos Muza Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management , budgeting , and investing . It provides the essential foundation for a smart relationship with money and promotes a lifelong journey of learning about the financial aspects of life. Financial literacy encompasses a range of competencies, including understanding financial principles such as earning, saving, investing, and borrowing, as well as comprehending concepts like interest rates, inflation, and financial risk management. Why Financial Literacy Is Important Financial literacy is crucial because it empowers individuals to make informed and effective decisions with their financial resources. Achieving financial literacy is especially important in today’s society due to facets of life such as student loans , mortgages , credit cards , investments , and health insurance . Who Needs Financial Literacy? Anyone who wants to be ...

ADEGOLD

Search This Blog