Top leaders, experts rally to revive indigenous languages
Vice President Dr Philip Mpango (right), receives the World Peace Award from the University of Dar es Salaam Vice-Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye during the opening of the International Conference on the Role of Indigenous Languages in Advancing Economic and Cultural Diplomacy held in Dar es Salaam on February 20, 2024. Dr Mpango received the award on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
- Against the backdrop of a globalised world where indigenous languages face an existential threat, these scholars, policymakers, and former heads of state gathered for the inaugural International Colloquium on promoting Cross-Cultural Linguistic and Economic Diplomacy for Sustainable Futures.
Dar es Salaam. Saddened by the speed at which indigenous languages are lost in Africa, like anywhere else, experts are now designing ways of reversing the worrying trend.
Those who met in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, ahead of International Mother Language Day today resolved that indigenous languages could play a key role in peacebuilding, employment creation, promoting economic development, and sustaining cultural diversity.
They explained that partnerships that continue to increase in Africa and around the world can be productive where there is mutual understanding that leaves no one behind, especially where the use of their native language is among the business languages.
Against the backdrop of a globalised world where indigenous languages face an existential threat, these scholars, policymakers, and former heads of state gathered for the inaugural International Colloquium on promoting Cross-Cultural Linguistic and Economic Diplomacy for Sustainable Futures.
The marginalisation of indigenous languages, particularly in educational settings, has accelerated their decline.
The director of excellence in indigenous knowledge systems, Prof Hassan Kaya, vehemently advocated for the integration of indigenous languages into the education curriculum.
“There is no need to use other languages, such as English or French, to teach Kiswahili in schools.” He underscored the imperative of nurturing indigenous languages as a means of preserving cultural heritage and facilitating knowledge delivery.
The significance of indigenous languages extends far beyond mere communication; they are repositories of cultural identity and vital conduits for peace, economic development, and cultural diversity, they said. Prof Kaya emphasised the huge role indigenous languages played in fostering peace and employment opportunities.
“Indigenous languages could play a key role in peacebuilding, employment creation, promoting economic development, and sustaining cultural diversity,” he asserted.
Additionally, a coordinator at the African Institution in Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Prof Kaya, said that the initiative aligns with the vision of former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
President Mwinyi advocated for the promotion of Kiswahili as a vital component of sustaining indigenous languages, recognising that the success of such efforts hinges on the elevation of Kiswahili’s status.
The rallying cry for indigenous language preservation reverberated within governmental corridors, with Vice President Philip Mpango urging robust policy interventions.
Recognising the symbiotic relationship between language, culture, and economy, Mr Mpango stressed the need for comprehensive strategies to promote indigenous languages, particularly in the digital sphere.
“We must focus on developing strategies that will enable Kiswahili and other native languages to be used digitally and also make them avenues for employment,” he emphasised.
The Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, stressed the role of education in preserving indigenous languages.
Acknowledging the recent curriculum reforms to include more indigenous languages, Prof Mkenda affirmed, “We need to prioritise our native languages in teaching and learning.” This commitment to linguistic diversity reflected Tanzania’s dedication to nurturing a multilingual society where every language is valued and celebrated, enhancing cultural diversity and economic growth."
The urgency of preserving indigenous languages transcends national boundaries, resonating with UNESCO’s clarion call for collective action. With over 6,900 languages spoken worldwide, half of which are endangered, the stakes have never been higher.
A linguistics expert, Dr Mchechu Kanjuri, described the existential threat posed by language loss, stating, “If our language disappears, the whole socio-cultural foundation of our community of speakers is put at risk.”
The colloquium witnessed a gathering of esteemed dignitaries, including former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Joaquim Chissano, underscoring the global significance of linguistic preservation.
Their presence, Dr Kanjuri said, symbolised a unified commitment to safeguarding Africa’s linguistic heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
