Some individuals, including government officials and members of the media, often quote cash figures in US dollars, despite the fact that the Tanzanian shilling is the official currency.
For instance, a recent local newspaper reported that the “Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase Two, which stretches 20.3 kilometers from Mbagala to Gerezani, has been developed at a total cost of Sh406.62 billion (equivalent to $159.32 million) by China’s Sinahydro Construction Ltd.”
Local newspapers primarily cater to an audience that conducts transactions in shillings, making the frequent use of dollars puzzling. It raises the question: why use dollars when communicating with a population that primarily identifies with the shilling?
As Mwalimu Julius Nyerere poignantly noted, “Of all the sins that our colonizers committed against us, the worst was that of making us believe our ways were inferior to theirs.”
If the goal is to appeal to development partners, it is essential to clearly state financial figures in both shillings and their dollar equivalents, along with the exchange rates applied to ensure clarity for the local audience.
In another instance, a story titled ‘Mwinyi Calls for Collective Effort in Education’ attributed a statement to Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi, which stated: “Furthermore, Dr. Mwinyi INSISTED that the government would increase the number of workers in Kojani to ensure the provision of small-scale services.” The use of the word “insist” implies a lack of acceptance, suggesting that the President is pushing against opposition. In reality, a president in our democratic context communicates directives that are understood as mandates.
Additionally, a report titled ‘Government Unveils Communication Strategies to Boost Safety Awareness’ included a statement by Home Affairs Minister Innocent Bashungwa, indicating, “Speaking during the launch which was ACCOMPANIED by opening of a working session for the ministry’s communication officers and security organ spokespersons.” This could be more accurately expressed as “Speaking during the launch which TOOK PLACE ALONGSIDE the opening of a working session for the ministry’s communication officers and security organs’ spokespersons.”
Furthermore, a headline reading ‘Youths, Women, PWDs Benefit from FREE INTEREST Loans’ contains a critical error. The intended wording should be “benefit from INTEREST-FREE loans.”
Lastly, a report from the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) stated: “The society must refrain from engaging in economic activities near water sources such as farming, tree-cutting, and LIVESTOCK grazing.” The phrase “grazing” should not be preceded by “livestock,” as grazing inherently refers to livestock feeding on grass.
This highlights the complexities and nuances of language, especially in critical communications.
