Mother Language Day: Our Duty to Support African Languages, Prevent 'Cultural Genocide': Professor
Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
Celebrating the diversity and richness of languages, UNESCO proclaimed February 21 as International Mother Language Day. This date marks a tragic event in 1952, when students rallying for the recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of two national languages of Pakistan, were shot dead by police in Dhaka, capital of present-day Bangladesh.
SputnikIn celebration of International Mother Language Day on February 21st,
Sputnik Africa had the privilege to engage in a conversation with
Professor Kamya Deogratias, a Visiting Professor at the Moscow State Linguistic University (MSLU) in Russia and a Lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda.
He shed light on the significance of linguistic diversity in Africa and the imperative to safeguard indigenous languages in the face of modern challenges.
To begin with, Professor Deogratias accentuated the remarkable linguistic cornucopia that characterizes the African continent. Encompassing approximately 1,500 to 2,000 languages, Africa stands out as the epitome of linguistic diversity globally, he noted.
According to the Ugandan academician, these languages serve not only as means of communication, but also as repositories of the multifaceted histories, traditions, and identities embedded in African societies.
"However, while the linguistic diversity of Africa is a testament to its cultural heritage, it also presents challenges in terms of language preservation and endangerment," Prof. Deogratias told Sputnik Africa.
He pointed out the jeopardy faced by many African languages, with over 300 classified as endangered, according to research from UCLA. Countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, and Nigeria are grappling with the imminent loss of linguistic heritage.
Professor Deogratias underscored the collective efforts exerted by linguists, communities, and organizations to combat this linguistic erosion through documentation, revitalization, and protection initiatives aimed at conserving endangered African languages.
Colonial Legacy
Reflecting on the historical ramifications of
colonialism, Professor Deogratias elucidated the detrimental effects of colonial powers imposing their languages as official decrees. The coercive imposition of "colonial languages" engendered a fracture in cultural identity, stifling the expressive essence of indigenous languages.
The professor juxtaposed this linguistic coercion as a mechanism utilized by colonizers to recalibrate the identities of indigenous populations, thereby insidiously eroding their cultural roots. The repercussions of colonial policies continue to reverberate, imperiling indigenous languages.
"The imposition of one language over another can result in the loss of cultural identity, which can be considered a form of genocide," Deogratias said. "Additionally, this process can be traumatic and cause physical and psychological harm to those affected. It has been observed that the policies of assimilation, land dispossession, discriminatory laws and actions have put indigenous languages at risk of disappearing."
Linguistic Revitalization
Addressing the contemporary challenges posed by globalization, urbanization and the continued dominance of colonial languages, Professor Deogratias underscored the urgent need to revitalize and promote indigenous languages throughout Africa.
Recognizing the negative effects of "linguistic colonization," he noted that efforts are underway to reintegrate indigenous languages into
educational curricula, create competitions to promote language use, and advocate for greater media representation of indigenous languages.
Prof. Deogratias welcomed technological advances such as the integration of some indigenous African languages into translation platforms such as Google Translate, and the development of software in indigenous languages. According to him, these developments are proactive measures aimed at enhancing the status of mother tongues and promoting a renaissance of linguistic heritage.
"Efforts are being made to develop software and phone apps in indigenous languages, as well as to translate foreign software into indigenous languages, in order to promote the use of our own languages," Professor Deogratias said. "Lastly, many African states have resolved to designing materials sensitive to the cultural and educational needs of indigenous peoples."
Addressing the critical nexus between indigenous languages and quality education, Professor Deogratias emphasized the use of traditional narratives and oral histories as conduits for imparting valuable insights into nature, history, and cultural ethos. These tales, which are richly embedded in indigenous African languages, can play a pivotal role in preserving and perpetuating linguistic heritage, according to the academician.
However, the integrating of indigenous languages into diverse subjects like chemistry, mathematics, IT, and physics poses challenges stemming from the dearth of equivalent terminologies, he noted. Nonetheless, through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, bridging linguistic gaps can foster an inclusive and enriched learning milieu.
"It is important for African societies to promote the popularization, development, and enrichment of their languages in all areas. By supplementing new vocabulary to replace foreign words, they can ensure quality education for all. This is a challenging task, but it can be achieved with dedication and collaboration," Professor Deogratias stated.
Prof. Deogratias added, "Incorporating indigenous knowledge into modern education can greatly enhance students' learning experiences."
Where Language Is Alive, Culture Is Alive
In a passionate discourse on the cultural significance of African languages, Professor Deogratias highlighted the preservation of linguistic diversity as the custodian of historical narratives, cultural ethos, and communal values. He ardently underscored the existential threat of linguistic extinction, precipitating the erasure of collective history and identity.
"Every African language is a valuable repository of history, culture, and values! When a language becomes extinct, so too does the history, culture, values, and the intuitive sense of whom a people are, where they come from, and where they are headed," the Ugandan professor said. "As elders in society, it is our responsibility to diplomatically pass on knowledge of indigenous languages to our children, in order to prevent cultural genocide and preserve our linguistic heritage."
In conclusion, while railing against the historical stigmatization of indigenous languages as archaic or inferior, Professor Deogratias accentuated their intrinsic value and called on African societies to embrace and celebrate their linguistic diversity.
"As a result of the imposition of colonial languages by the colonial masters, many people in Africa have been led to believe that the use of indigenous languages is primitive and inferior. However, this perception is incorrect, and it is important to recognize the value and richness of these languages," he concluded. "This appreciation keeps the language alive, and where the language is alive, the culture is often preserved."