[Indic-computing-users] [OFFTOPIC] NEWS: Sierra Leone embraces Bengali

[Frederick N. <fr...@by...>]

Normally, any self-respecting mailing list should be frowning upon
off-topic posts. But I came across such an unusual story (related to the
field of language) that one couldn't resist... While posting this across,
here's wishing everyone a happy new year. May we reach the solutions that
have been elusive so far... but which are getting within reach on the
Indic-Computing front. FN

Sierra Leone embraces Bengali

>From Indo-Asian News Service

Dhaka, Dec 28 (IANS) Sierra Leone has declared Bengali as one of its
official languages in recognition of the contribution of Bangladeshi U.N.
peacekeepers in the war ravaged country.

According to a message received Saturday from the West African country's
capital Freetown, Sierra Leone President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah made the
announcement at a function to declare open a 54-km road constructed by
Bangladeshi peacekeepers.

English is the principal language of Sierra Leone but its usage is limited
to a literate minority in the largely Muslim country of 5.6 million.

Mende is the principal vernacular in the south and Temne in the north.

Bangladesh's over 5,000 peacekeepers in Sierra Leone work with peacekeepers
from 31 countries under the U.N. blue cap.

--Indo-Asian News Service