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In coming to Mozambique, I knew that the national language was Portuguese and thus knew that I would have to learn to speak Portuguese.  But I also thought that English would also be widely spoken, especially because Mozambique is surrounded by English speaking countries.   However, the reality is that relatively very people speak English here in Mozambique.  And this should come as no surprise, as Mozambique was colonized by the Portuguese, a non English speaking country and is currently one of the poorest countries in the world.

I used to be uncomfortable with the idea of teaching English to people in developing world.  I thought it was imperialistic and just another way to push Western culture onto people and places, thus expanding Western and specially American influence around the world.  However, I changed by thoughts after I had a conversation with one of my social work professors.  She told me that English, more than any other language is the language of power in the world, because those who know English, often refuse to learn other languages.  And she is correct. 

English is the language of power.  It is the language that can open up countless opportunities for people and help them to gain access to resources that will help them live better lives.  Among other things knowing English allows people to get better jobs, communicate and network with others who have power and even understand the latest Lady Gaga song.  My professor went on to tell me that it was irresponsible, as a native English speaker, for me to hold this belief.  She said that in refusing to teach English to those who wish to learn, I am merely withholding information and opportunities that can better their lives.  Thus keeping the power inequality in tact. 

I say all this because I now find myself, yes you guessed it….teaching English.  I am currently teaching English to the staff of my two community organizations, upon their request.  And the reason that they wanted to learn English, just as my professor said, was because knowing how to speak English will provide them with more and better opportunities.  Of course I am happy to help them learn English, although I don’t know how good I will be at teaching English.  So far, it’s been going pretty well.  And don’t worry I have taught all the basics…including “hot mess”.