Perspective of English in Afghanistan

In 1970s when the Union Soviet invaded Afghanistan, people thought that Russian language will be come the world wide language. In Afghanistan, particularly in cities people were enthusiast to learn Russian. Knowing the Russian language was a privilege, the people how knew Russian were feeling that they are significant ones in Afghanistan. By collapsing the Soviet Union, the importance of Russian language suddenly diminished, the people who knew Russian were denying of knowing Russian language.

By the time when Russian language was decreasing, English language was steadily growing in among Afghan civilians. Particularly those who were refugee in Pakistan got benefit from learning English language, because they could find job in NGOs. In addition, they could get to Europe and US and the English language become the business language more than politics.

After September 11 event, rapidly English language turned in importance in Afghanistan. All people from cities and rural areas are willing to learn English. In fact, after Taliban, in Field of Education we can call it " the era of English" in Afghanistan. It was a custom in Afghanistan that the student who gained the highest score were eager to go to medical school. Now the situation is changed, English and medical school are the same rank. Now an idea is arising among people that; through knowing English they are able to reach in high position and welfare life. The reason is clear, for instance, if some one want to get a job in government branches or nongovernmental organisation the first question is about English skill. These facts help that English to become an everyday language in Afghanistan like Dari and Pushtu.