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Open letter to the French government (extraits) Considering the importance of the English Language upholds today in all aspects of life […] it becomes urgent and necessary for all the countries that did not yet [implemented it] to join the community of nations […] [that did, including France]. Considering the vital importance of this matter and that many people who are left out are mainly situated in West Africa […] we are writing to you today to bring your attention upon this issue and its negative consequences. […] I am sure that you share with me the view that this situation is harmful not only to all those countries but to France and neighbouring countries as well […]. I am sure that, you share with me [as well] the belief that these countries are sovereign, free and independent, that the former periods of “colonization” or occupation formerly carried out by France in those countries were illegitimate, unjustified and unjust. It was a negative part of history [because of the injustices committed against those people, the destruction of their cultures, the looting of their lands and by the extortion of their sovereignty and history besides the multiple sufferings and injustices daily endured and the persecutions and killings related to the movements for independence]. I am sure that you share with me the conviction that the relations between countries should be based on [mutual consent, benefit and respect in a good and positive spirit]. I am sure then […] that you will join me in rejecting all policies and practices, legitimate or illegitimate, public or secret meant to prevent any of those countries from […] making English their 1st foreign language or [to impose by force the teaching and use of any particular language] on their governments. Best Regards, [English as FFL Intitiative]
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For an Independent Tunisia |
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This is a citizen initiative meant to promote the use of the English language as first foreign language in the developing countries around the world as it became a necessary prerequisite and as well as an easy and fast means for development and integration in the international community. As English has become the global language, more and more people are using it. Today, most of the global scientific publications, technologies, business knowledge, business deals, international media and communications are in English. However the use of the English language has unfortunately remained limited in several developing countries, like Tunisia, which are today isolated from the rest of the world because it doesn't speak English. By speaking mainly French, the majority of the international exchanges of Tunisia are automatically done with France alone while the vast majority of the countries in the world, including France, work and communicate in English. Tunisia is therefore dependent on the French translations, publications and cooperation which is a breach to its sovereignty and autonomy. Without this language barrier, Tunisia can achieve much more economic development and diversified international relations, which can only be beneficial to Tunisia, France and all the surrounding and partner countries. It is unacceptable to jeopardize the vital interests of the Tunisian people just for the French language statistics. This is not a threat to the French language which is and will be studied throughout the world thanks to the appeal of the French culture. With English as its first foreign language Tunisia would have access to more Science and technology (70% of the scientific publications are in English), Business news and business knowledge in a global economy based on knowledge and innovation, Markets and opportunities from all over Europe and the world, both for exports and imports enhancing considerably its economical situation, much more Foreign investments and create more jobs and more skilled jobs, Media and Diversified perspectives on the news, know the Experiences of other emerging economies like India or Brazil, best suited to its problems , access more Cultures and promote its own worldwide, be more Independent as it has more even international relations. Furthermore, the use of the English language gives the people of the world the possibility to know each other and communicate together promoting open mindedness, cultural exchange and world peace. |
Visit our website : www.englishFFL.org |
Speaking English as 1st foreign language is a vital interest for Tunisia, not to do so is to resign to under-development and isolation ! |
The English as first foreign language initiative |
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English in the world
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Sign our online petition (www.englishFFL.org —The Tunisia Campaign) |
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The goal of this initiative is to promote the use of the English language as 1st foreign language in schools, universities, administrations, businesses and media. Support our cause to help develop those countries ! |