The Language Divide: Exploring English Proficiency In Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a linguistically diverse nation, with over 40 distinct languages. The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari and Pashto, with Dari being the most widely spoken language in the country. In 2017, only 6% of the Afghan population could speak English. However, English is becoming increasingly popular among young Afghans, who are learning the language to increase their chances of finding a good job.

English is not a widely spoken language in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a linguistically diverse nation with upwards of 40 distinct languages. However, English is not a widely spoken language in the country.

Dari and Pashto are the two official languages of Afghanistan. They are also the most widely spoken languages in the country, with 77-78% and 48-50% of the population speaking them respectively. Dari, a variety of the Persian language, is the official name of the dialect spoken in Afghanistan and is often referred to as Afghan Persian. It is the language preferred by state officials and is also the most widely understood language in the country, serving as the lingua franca. Pashto, on the other hand, is the native tongue of the Pashtuns, the dominant ethnic group in Afghanistan.

While Dari and Pashto dominate, several other languages are spoken by smaller percentages of the population. These include Uzbeki (11%), English (5-6%), Turkmeni (2-3%), Urdu (2-3%), Pashai (1%), Nuristani (1%), Arabic (1%), and Balochi (1%).

The presence of English-speaking occupation forces in Afghanistan has influenced how the language is perceived by locals. Only a small percentage of Afghans speak English, with estimates ranging from 5% to 6% in 2017. However, the younger generation is keen on learning English to improve their job prospects and find their place in the world more easily. Many Afghans attend private English classes, and those who are fluent in English are in high demand for jobs such as translators, receptionists, and qualified specialists in companies and organizations based in the country.

Afghanistan's linguistic landscape is rich and varied, with a multitude of languages and dialects spoken by its diverse ethnic groups. English, however, has not gained widespread popularity, and most Afghans communicate in Dari, Pashto, or other regional languages.

Only 6% of the population could speak English in 2017

Afghanistan is a linguistically diverse nation with upwards of 40 distinct languages. The country's two official languages are Dari and Pashto, with Dari being the most widely spoken language. Dari is the lingua franca of Afghanistan and is the native tongue of several ethnic groups, including the Tajiks, Hazaras, and Aimaqs. It is also the language preferred by state officials. Pashto, on the other hand, is the native tongue of the Pashtuns, the dominant ethnic group in Afghanistan.

In 2017, only 6% of the Afghan population could speak English. This is a relatively low percentage compared to other countries in the region, such as India and Pakistan. The presence of English-speaking occupation forces in Afghanistan has affected how natives view the language. However, the younger generation of Afghans is trying to change this statistic by learning English to increase their chances of finding better jobs and to help them find their place in the world more easily.

English classes in Afghanistan are often crowded, with 40 to 60 students in each class. These classes usually only have basic teaching tools, such as textbooks and dictionaries. Despite the challenges, students are making progress due to their hard work and determination. Many Afghans attend private English classes in major cities like Kabul, and these classes are mostly set up by Afghans who studied English in Pakistan or India.

English is highly valued in Afghanistan as it is seen as a gateway to better job opportunities. Afghans who are fluent in English are in high demand and are often offered positions as translators, receptionists, or qualified specialists in companies and organizations based in the country. Learning English also enables Afghans to access and understand information from other parts of the world, including Bollywood movies and songs, which are popular in the region.

While English is not as widely spoken as other languages in Afghanistan, the younger generation's interest in learning it could lead to an increase in English speakers over time.

The presence of English-speaking occupation forces has affected how English is viewed by locals

Afghanistan is a linguistically diverse nation, with over 40 distinct languages. The two most prominent languages are Dari and Pashto, which are the official languages of the country. Dari, a variety of the Persian language, is the lingua franca of Afghanistan and is spoken by 77% of the population. Pashto, the native tongue of the Pashtuns, is spoken by 48% of the population.

English is the fourth most commonly spoken language in Afghanistan, with only 6% of the population speaking it in 2017. The presence of English-speaking occupation forces in the country has affected how the locals view the language. While English has not gained much popularity, the younger generation of Afghans are trying to learn it to increase their chances of finding a good job, especially with international organisations and companies. Almost every English class in Afghanistan is accompanied by a special course in computer training, as students recognise the value of digital literacy in today's world.

The complex history of Afghanistan, marked by war and conflict, has undoubtedly influenced the country's linguistic landscape. The constant struggle for freedom and the presence of foreign forces have shaped how Afghans view different languages, including English.

The fall of the Taliban in 2001 and the subsequent establishment of a U.S.-backed transitional government led to an influx of foreigners, including aid workers and diplomats. This period also witnessed the emergence of numerous private English classes in major cities like Kabul, with students from diverse backgrounds enrolling to improve their employment prospects.

English is highly valued in Afghanistan due to its status as an international language and its association with better job opportunities. Afghans who are fluent in English are in high demand and often find employment as translators, receptionists, or qualified specialists in organisations and companies based in the country. The ability to speak English has become a pathway to social and economic mobility for many Afghans, especially the younger generation.

English is seen as a gateway to better job opportunities

English is an international language and is spoken in most countries. Knowing English helps university students access first-hand information. Afghans who are fluent in English are in high demand and are offered positions as translators or receptionists and sometimes as qualified specialists. Wages at local governmental offices range between $35 to $50 a month, while foreign aid agencies and companies pay between $500 and $1,000 per month. All of the jobs advertised by Western companies list knowledge of English and computer literacy as basic requirements.

Since the fall of the Taliban in late 2001, numerous private English classes have emerged in Kabul and other major cities. Students from diverse backgrounds, including high school graduates, university students, engineers, doctors, and teachers, attend these classes. They spend two hours a day, six days a week, learning English. Almost every Afghan student says there is only one reason to learn English—to help them find a proper job with a nongovernmental organization, foreign company, or diplomatic office based in the country.

English classrooms in Kabul used only the most basic teaching tools—a textbook and a dictionary. The classrooms are often crowded with 40 to 60 students each. Despite the hardships, students are making progress because of their hard work and determination. English classes are also being organized in Afghanistan's outlying provinces, but students there must settle for even fewer teaching materials and less qualified teachers.

The British Council and the U.S. State Department have carried out projects that promote English language education, often through teacher-training initiatives. Both boys and girls are able to study English in many public schools, usually from high school age. Both genders can continue studying English at university or in private language centers. The most common reasons to study English are for jobs or to pursue advanced study in another country.

English is taught in schools in Afghanistan generally from Class 4 and continued till Class 12. It is also necessary for admission to some university faculties such as medicine, agriculture, and engineering. Students also value English as a passport to the outside world, for joining world media, finding jobs as translators, and for traveling.

English is taught in schools alongside computer training

Afghanistan is a linguistically diverse nation with upwards of 40 distinct languages. The official languages of the country are Dari and Pashto, with Dari being the most widely spoken language.

In 2017, only 6% of the Afghan population could speak English. However, English is a popular language to learn, especially among the younger generation, as it increases their chances of finding a good job. English is taught in schools alongside computer training.

Since the fall of the Taliban in late 2001, thousands of Afghans have been attending private English classes in Kabul and other major cities. Both men and women from diverse backgrounds attend these classes. The students include high school graduates, university students, engineers, doctors, and teachers. They spend two hours a day, six days a week, learning English. The trend toward studying English began when a US-backed transitional government was established in Kabul in late 2001, and thousands of foreigners, such as aid workers and diplomats, began arriving in the country.

English is taught in many public schools, usually from high school age. Both boys and girls can continue studying English at university or in private language centres. The most common reasons to study English are for jobs or to pursue advanced study in another country. The British Council and the US State Department have carried out projects that promote English language education, often through teacher-training initiatives.

In 2008, USAID (United States Agency for International Development) began working to improve facilities and promote educational access, particularly for girls. By 2020, they had provided nearly 11,500 two-year scholarships to women to attend teacher-training colleges. Between 2001 and 2020, the student population grew from 900,000 male students to over 9.5 million students, of whom 39% were girls.

In 2015, the first master's degree course in gender and women's studies began at Kabul University.

Computer training in schools

Computer training is also offered in schools in Afghanistan. Roya Mahboob, one of Afghanistan's first female IT CEOs, has set up 11 training facilities for young women in high schools across the country through her organisation, the Digital Citizen Fund (formerly the Women's Annex Foundation). The organisation creates high school classrooms with internet and computers so girls can learn social media, blogging, photography, Microsoft, and basic coding.

The Afghan Citadel software development firm also provides internet and technology training classes for young women in high school classrooms.

The future of English and computer training in schools

The current status of English teaching in Afghanistan is unclear. Many schools and centres have closed completely, at least temporarily, citing security concerns and general uncertainty. A few have reopened but with fewer students, and some without any female students. Some teachers have been warned that teaching English could be seen as "promoting Christianity" and is therefore forbidden.

However, there is still a high demand for English teachers in Afghanistan, and many organisations are working to provide English language education in the country. The US Embassy sponsors English language specialist programs and online courses for Afghan professionals and young adults. Private ESL academies and international schools, such as the International School of Kabul, also hire English teachers all year round.

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