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Foreign language policy in Iran, before and after the Revolution

Before the Revolution (1938-1978/1979)

Before the Iranian Revolution in Iran in 1979 could be defined as the golden period of English teaching and learning, put in place by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, son of Reza Shah, who founded the Pahlavi dynasty. As a result of extensive collaboration with the west, especially the United States and United Kingdom on economics, educational, political and cultural affairs, English language and education received considerable attention but French lost its importance. English became Iran’s principle foreign language.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi speaks with Richard Nixon in the Oval Office

There were basically two prominent centers which contributed to the development and expansion of English in Iran.The first is the British Council since 1945 and the second Iran–America Society (IAS), this last society was founded in purpose "to promote understanding between the people of Iran and the people of the United States of America" .

In 1938, the ministry of education began a huge project to develop materials for high schools with contributions from Iranian, American and English educators and language specialists. The result of this collaboration was the introduction of English books exclusively for Iranian students. Before 1938 a variety of English materials as a foreign language produced in English speaking countries were also used in Iranian schools.

During the years 1939-1960, the first official linguistic course books for Iranian students were designed by a team of Iranian, American and English linguists. The books contained a variety of topics ranging from Persian literature to world literature, history, science, biography and art. The emphasis was on spelling, handwriting and reading so reading method was used as well as direct metal and later ( in the middle 1969) Situation Language Teaching.A bilingual English-Persian Glossary was also provided at the end of the book to help students to text translations. From 1964 to 1978 the new series following situation language teaching principal included more illustration by a comprehensive teachers' guide. New words were highlighted in red in contest to the black and white version. Each lesson contained both dialogues and short readings passages followed by the grammar point and relevant exercises. Furthermore, Iran had privileged relations with the United States, this country " guarantee that it would protect him" , allowing a better diffusion of English language within the Iranian territory.

After the Revolution (1979-nowdays)

After the revolution, with Ruhollah Khomeini at the head of Iran, an important question emerged: to teach or not to teach English? Following the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the beggining of the story of English learning and teaching in Iran is one of the most notable anti-imperialist countries has experienced a lot of ups and downs. On the one hand, English language is simultaneously known as the language of enemies (United Kingdom and United States) and on the other hand it's considered a tool for progress. After around 3 decades of states, resistance was politically overcome due to increasing criticism of the status quo, the growing attention paid to English in educational and development documents and more importantly society’s enthusiasm towards the language.

Comprehensive policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding globalization were approved in 2004. According to this policy, English language and French language are global languages and are necessary for Iran’s active participation in the current world. Furthermore, officials must approach English as a necessary skill and not as an element against identity.

Percentage of English speakers by country.

80–100%   60–80%

40–60%   20–40%

0–20%   Not available

The quote reveals how concerned the government was regarding English as a language threatening Iranians’ national and cultural identity. The mention of French along with English as a global language also indicated a sensitivity towards English language. From there, English took the place of the first foreign language taught in all Iran.

The national curriculum document in 2009 , issued by the official Ministry of Education (Iran) who states the Education in Iran, also emphasizes the knowledge of a foreign language as an essential tool for literacy in the third millennium, but is also important in the development of tourist business, technology, science and political awareness. This document stresses a communicative approach and boosting all four language skills. Local issues as well as Islamic and Iranian values should be included in textbooks. It is interesting to note that the only foreign language taught at schools in Iran is English yet in this document instead of English the phrase ‘a foreign language’ is still used. Therefore, a sense of hesitation and caution is given. English language was politicized after the revolution, as a threat to the Persian language and Iranian- Islamic cultures. However, in the years after the revolution, the Iranian government has slowly decreased the sensitivity of learning foreign languages, particularly English language. Now it's possible to easily learn a lot of foreign languages ​​in Iran, "currently having around 200 centers in 73 cities" with the headquarters of this institute located in Tehran .

Internet resources

• Reflections on Foreign Language Education in Iran
• The Literature of Iranian Diaspora, a Review
• Teaching English Pronunciation to Iranian Students: Problems and Suggestions
• ELT in the Islamic Republic of Iran
• Disporia in Iranian territory
• Iranian Diaspora

See also

• Iranian Revolution
• Languages of Iran
• Islamic republic
• English language