Official language to the government in their native languages. In countries that do not formally designate an official language, a "de facto" national language usually evolves. English is the most common official language, with recognized status in 51 countries. Arabic, French, and Spanish are also widely recognized. An official language that is also an indigenous language is called "endoglossic", one that is not indigenous is "exoglossic". An instance is Nigeria which has three endoglossic official languages. By this the country aims to protect the indigenous languages although at the same time recognising the English language as its lingua franca. Around 500 BC,
History of Egypt under the British issued in French. This was partly because of the fact that many well-off Egyptians received their education in French, but also because of the prominent status of the French language internationally. Despite efforts from British legal personnel, English was never adopted as a language of the Egyptian civil courts during the period of British influence. Foreigners tried for civil offenses attended mixed Egyptian-foreigner courts; these courts used the French language as the medium of proceedings. Courts operated by embassies and consulates tried their respective citizens in regards to criminal matters. History of Egypt under the British The history of Egypt