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From: aaa@link.UUCP (Wale Akinpelu)
Newsgroups: net.nlang.africa
Subject: Re: Liberia and the Peace Corps
Message-ID: <369@link.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 19-Nov-85 09:18:17 EST
Article-I.D.: link.369
Posted: Tue Nov 19 09:18:17 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 20-Nov-85 08:07:15 EST
References: {decwrl,sun,allegra}!pyramid!isieng!chrisf <177@isieng.UUCP>
Distribution: net.nlang.africa
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories - Holmdel, NJ
Lines: 46

>   A friend of mine, 22-year-old female, is entering the Peace
> Corps for a two-year hitch in Liberia.  The offer letter says
> she will be teaching English in a rural area (unspecified).
> She will have several months' training in Monrovia.
> 
>   She and I are interested in any comments anyone has about
> Liberia and its occupants.  We have read much reference material
> on the country, and have followed the recent political developments
> (i.e., the stirrings against Doe's election).
> 
>   Please do not limit comments to politics; in fact, that is
> the best documented aspect of Liberia, and we're interested in
> less readily available information.  For instance, especially since
> this is net.nlang.africa, can anyone comment on the language
> barriers she will face?  She speaks fluent French and German, but
> fears that in an ostensibly English-speaking country she will have
> little opportunity for practice.
> 
>   Hints for things to take along, things to expect, things to
> avoid, are all welcome.  Please respond either by e-mail or by
> posting; I will respond unless requested not to (I know phone
> bills are big enough already for a lot of people).
> 
>   Thank you for your attention.
> 
> 	Chris             {decwrl,sun,allegra}!pyramid!isieng!chrisf

I have only spent few days in Liberia but spent several years in a couple
of other West African countries. Most people understand the natural english language
and a lot speak in "pigeon" english. Very few people speak in french, these
are the people from the neighboring countries. Your friend should not worry
about language barriers. As a matter of fact, she will discover that most people
will be willing to help her because she is a foreigner and because she
does'nt understand the common language as well. That's the general attitude
in most african countries.

There should be some few people in th elocal university that do understand
the german language. Also, she could take attend some cultural
shows on the campus. There are also disco clubs within major cities that
she could attend. I will urge her to be free and trust the people around her. 
She should always ask for help when necessary, and above all, nothing is expected
from her in return for any favor.
-- 
Wale Akinpelu
AT&T Bell Laboratories
{allegra,attunix,bentley,ihnp4!research,ulysses}hou2a!link!aaa