Resumes or CVs in African Languages.

Questions: Ramenga Mtaali Osotsi, Ph.D.

Date: March 15, 2023.

Why is it important for academic, scholars and other professionals to write their resumes in
their native languages instead of just confining themselves to 'international' languages.

It is important for academic scholars and other professionals to write their resumes in their native
languages for several reasons:
1. Cultural Relevance: Writing a resume in one's native language allows for the expression of
cultural nuances and colloquialisms that may be lost in translation. This helps to create a
more authentic and relevant portrayal of the individual, which can be particularly important
in fields such as the arts or humanities.
2. Local Job Market: Writing a resume in one's native language can be especially important if
the individual is looking for work in their local job market. In many cases, employers prefer
to see resumes in the local language, as it demonstrates a greater understanding of local
customs and cultural expectations.
3. Communicating Technical Knowledge: Some professions may require the use of specific
technical terminology that may not exist in other languages. By writing a resume in one's
native language, professionals can effectively communicate their technical knowledge to
potential employers.
4. Personal Branding: Writing a resume in one's native language can also help to establish a
personal brand. By presenting oneself as an expert in a particular language or culture,
professionals can differentiate themselves from others in their field and position themselves
as a valuable asset to potential employers.
In summary, writing a resume in one's native language can help to convey a more authentic and
relevant portrayal of the individual, demonstrate a greater understanding of local customs and
cultural expectations, communicate technical knowledge effectively, and establish a personal
brand.

Is it a waste of time and an instance of 'tribalism' for one to write their resume in their native
language if this language is an African language that does not have as much influence,
exposure and power as so called 'international' languages?

No, it is not a waste of time or an instance of 'tribalism' for one to write their resume in their native
African language, even if that language does not have as much influence, exposure, and power as
so-called 'international' languages. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Promoting Linguistic Diversity: By writing a resume in their native African language,
individuals can help promote linguistic diversity and preserve their cultural heritage. This
can help to prevent the loss of endangered languages and support efforts to promote
multilingualism.
2. Respecting Cultural Identity: Writing a resume in one's native language can also help to
show respect for one's cultural identity and heritage. It can demonstrate pride in one's
background and help to build a sense of community and solidarity with others who share the
 same language and cultural roots.
3. Targeting Specific Job Markets: Depending on the profession, there may be specific job
markets where knowledge of an African language is an advantage. For example, if one is
seeking a job in translation or interpretation, having proficiency in an African language can
be a valuable asset.
4. Personal Satisfaction: Writing a resume in one's native African language can also bring
personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. It can help individuals to connect with their
roots and express themselves in a way that is true to who they are.
In conclusion, writing a resume in one's native African language can promote linguistic diversity,
respect cultural identity, target specific job markets, and bring personal satisfaction. It is not a
waste of time or an instance of 'tribalism,' but rather an opportunity to celebrate one's heritage and
contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Thank you. Please answer the same question with people in the sciences and technology in
mind.

Writing a resume in one's native African language can also be beneficial for individuals in the
sciences and technology fields, as it can:
1. Highlight Technical Skills: Writing a resume in one's native language can showcase
technical knowledge and expertise in a more nuanced and accurate way. Technical terms
and jargon may not have exact translations in other languages, and using one's native
language can help to accurately convey technical skills and experience.
2. Cultural Relevance: Depending on the specific field, there may be certain cultural nuances
or practices that are best expressed in one's native language. For example, research in
traditional medicine or indigenous knowledge systems may be more relevant and impactful
when presented in the language of the community that practices it.
3. Collaborations: In some cases, working in the sciences and technology may require
collaboration with colleagues or partners who speak a specific African language. Writing a
resume in that language can signal one's fluency and proficiency, making it easier to build
professional relationships and networks.
4. Career Opportunities: Writing a resume in one's native African language can also open up
career opportunities in fields where knowledge of that language is an asset. For example,
working for a company that has operations in Africa or collaborating with researchers or
organizations that focus on the continent may require proficiency in an African language.
In conclusion, writing a resume in one's native African language can highlight technical skills,
showcase cultural relevance, facilitate collaborations, and open up career opportunities. It can be a
valuable asset for individuals working in the sciences and technology fields, helping them to
communicate effectively and authentically in their areas of expertise.

These seem to be more of generic answers. Can you respond with specific branches of the
sciences and technology serving as examples. Provide more than four reasons.

Sure, here are some specific examples of how writing a resume in one's native African language
can be beneficial for individuals in different branches of sciences and technology:
 1. Biomedical Research: Writing a resume in one's native African language can be beneficial
for individuals in biomedical research, especially if they are conducting research on
traditional medicine or other indigenous knowledge systems. Writing in the native language
can help to accurately convey concepts and practices that may not have exact translations in
other languages. Additionally, proficiency in a specific African language can be an asset for
building relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
2. Agriculture and Environmental Science: Proficiency in African languages can be beneficial
for individuals working in agriculture and environmental science, especially if they are
working with local communities and stakeholders. Writing in the native language can help
to build trust and credibility with local communities, facilitate communication and
collaboration, and lead to more successful projects.
3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Writing a resume in one's native
African language can be beneficial for individuals working in ICT, especially if they are
developing software or applications for specific African markets. By understanding local
languages, cultures, and preferences, they can develop products that are more relevant and
appealing to local consumers. Additionally, proficiency in an African language can be an
asset for building relationships with local partners and stakeholders.
4. Engineering: Writing a resume in one's native African language can be beneficial for
individuals working in engineering, especially if they are working on infrastructure projects
in African countries. Proficiency in local languages can help to build relationships with
local communities, stakeholders, and government officials, and lead to more successful and
sustainable projects.
5. Data Science: Proficiency in African languages can be beneficial for individuals working in
data science, especially if they are analyzing data from African countries. By understanding
local languages and cultures, they can better interpret and contextualize the data, leading to
more accurate and insightful analysis. Additionally, proficiency in an African language can
be an asset for building relationships with local partners and stakeholders.
6. Renewable Energy: Writing a resume in one's native African language can be beneficial for
individuals working in renewable energy, especially if they are working on projects in
African countries. Proficiency in local languages can help to build relationships with local
communities, stakeholders, and government officials, and lead to more successful and
sustainable projects.
In summary, writing a resume in one's native African language can be beneficial for individuals in
biomedical research, agriculture and environmental science, information and communication
technology, engineering, data science, renewable energy, and other fields. Proficiency in an
African language can help to build trust and credibility with local communities, facilitate
communication and collaboration, lead to more successful projects, and open up career
opportunities.

I do not support wasting national resources training our people to go and work for others.
HOWEVER, I had to ask this:

Would any international corporation value a candidate who would presents their resume in an
African language? Answer with examples emphasizing corporations in the sciences and
technology.

It's difficult to say for sure whether an international corporation would value a candidate who
presents their resume in an African language, as each company has their own hiring practices and
priorities. However, in general, companies that value diversity and inclusion may appreciate
candidates who can communicate in multiple languages, including African languages.
In the sciences and technology sector, companies that operate in Africa or have a strong presence
on the continent may be more likely to value candidates who can communicate in African
languages. For example:
1. IBM Africa: IBM has a strong presence in Africa and is committed to hiring local talent. In
2013, the company launched a program called IBM Digital - Nation Africa, which provides
free digital skills training to young people across the continent. IBM Africa may value
candidates who can communicate in African languages, as this would demonstrate an
understanding of local cultures and a commitment to the region.
2. Google Africa: Google has offices in several African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria,
and South Africa. The company has invested in several initiatives aimed at supporting tech
entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent, such as the Launchpad Accelerator Africa
program. Google Africa may value candidates who can communicate in African languages,
as this would demonstrate an ability to connect with local communities and understand their
needs.
3. Microsoft Africa: Microsoft has a presence in several African countries, including Egypt,
Kenya, and South Africa. The company has invested in initiatives aimed at improving
access to technology and digital skills training, such as the 4Afrika Initiative. Microsoft
Africa may value candidates who can communicate in African languages, as this would
demonstrate an ability to understand and connect with local communities.
Overall, while it's difficult to say for sure whether an international corporation would value a
candidate who presents their resume in an African language, companies that value diversity and
inclusion and have a strong presence in Africa may appreciate this skill.