AMHARIC BECOMES OFFICIAL D.C. GOVERNMENT LANGUAGE

Testimony of Dr. Bekele Molla
Before Council of the District of Columbia
Subcommittee on Human Rights, Latino Affairs and Property Management
Public Hearing on the DC Language Access Act
Chaired by Councilman Jim Graham
Bill No. 14-902
November 4, 2002

My name is Bekele Molla and I am Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Communality Services Center of Washington DC and President & CEO of the Haile Selassie I International Development Foundation. First I would like to thank the Honorable Chairman and members of the subcommittee for giving me the opportunity to be a participant in this important hearing on "The Language Access Act of 2002." I am pleased to provide testimony on the importance of adding Amharic, the Ethiopian official national language, to the list of languages, other than English, to be included in the "The Language Access Act."

It is estimated that there are between 200,000 and 250,000 Ethiopians who reside in the Greater Washington DC area. It is expected that the number will increase at a fast rate in the next decade. The majority of these individuals live in the District of Columbia. Most speak, write, read and understand English and some are highly qualified, proficient professionals and entrepreneurs. Most Ethiopians are hard working competitive individuals who, without serious difficulties, manage to become part of the American mainstream. However, it has become increasingly clear to those of us who are practitioners in the social sciences that many recent arrivals have been confronted with tremendous difficulties particularly because they are not proficient in English.

Councilman Graham, I am here to urge your subcommittee to include Amharic as one of the languages to be used as a medium of communication, both oral and written, in the provision of services to the public by the DC Government.  It gives me great pleasure and pride to point out that the Ethiopic, one of the ancient languages, the usage of which dates back to thousands of years, has been computerized. Dr. Aberra Molla developed and released the first truly Ethiopic word processor in 1987.  Fettan Graphics & Printing has helped thousands of Ethiopians by utilizing the software package to publish everything from simple letters to books. Currently the latest Windows upgrade is on the market and could easily be installed on servers or laptops. Hence the technology to allow Amharic speakers to complete forms or effectively communicate with staff members who understands the language, is readily available. Any official documents could be prepared in the language by using the application package.        

It is incumbent upon every government agency to provide services on an equal basis for all its constituencies. Fairness and equity are paramount especially when it comes to new residents who are burdened with the challenges of adjusting to an exciting but strange environment. A very important element in the process of acculturation to a new environment is communication skills. For a person who attempts to settle and build a new home in Washington DC or anywhere else, efficient oral and written communication, essential ingredients in acculturation, entail a broad understanding of the customs, traditions, values, attitudes and behavioral norms of the new community. Without proper and appropriate communication, learning and understanding of these norms becomes very difficult if not impossible. Hence having someone to translate or interpret information is crucial in the performance of tasks. US Courts routinely provide interpreters for those who do not speak English.

For new arrivals in particular, the challenge is complicated by the lack of proficiency to communicate in English language, and compounded by misunderstanding of these cultural and legal norms. The lack of basic communication skills, especially among many individuals who come to the United States on Diversity Visas (DV) has a traumatic impact because of its influence on opportunities for communal life, education, employment and access to government services. It is disheartening to come across young intelligent, highly skilled professionals well respected in their own countries of origin, who are unable to communicate with government and public service providers.  Misunderstanding and miscommunication at times have dire consequences for the individual and the concerned agency. The issuance of driver's licenses, diagnostic and emergency medical services, crime scene investigations and court trials, occupational permits and safety guidelines, just to mention a few, require accurate communication.

Thus, It behooves the government to provide services in these and other services, in the native language of the tax paying resident. The United Sates Department of Justice has also issued the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Guidance to assist recipients of federal funds to fulfill their responsibilities to persons whose primary language is not English. According to this guide, if individuals have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English, they are classified as limited English proficient, or "LEP." Most importantly, effective communication fosters compliance with regulations, full understanding of and participation in the expression of civil rights, and the fulfillment of civic and national responsibilities.

I have run across several individuals who carry Ethiopian permits but when they applied to the DC government for an American driver's license, they were told to have the Amharic language document translated to English in order to receive a new permit. It thus becomes clear that those who may not be employed are required to pay translation fees to private businesses in order to get city services. Today, I have brought with me an Ethiopian Youngman who recently came to the United States after he became a winner of the lottery for Diversity Visa.  He wants me to share with you the fact that he has not been able to get a job after completing many applications that he barely comprehended. He has repeatedly been told that he will be contacted if he qualified for the positions but to no avail. Not having a driver's license also leads to other difficulties such as not being able to open a bank account. Therefore it is very importance that the government passes this legislation and enacts it into law. Thank you for the opportunity you have given to me to provide testimony.

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1. The DC Council unanimously approved the Act (B15-0139)

2. As of the year 2006, Amharic speakers not fluent in English can soon begin to receive oral communication and documentation in Amharic from city offices. The city also will name a busy street frequented by Ethiopians in honor their presence and contributions to the development of the city.
 

Haile Selassie I International Development Foundation
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