Date: 21 February 2013
Contact: Emmanuel Ndlovu
Programmes and Advocacy
Manager
Bulawayo Progressive
Residents Association (BPRA)
Need for
Government to Protect Indigenous Languages
As the world commemorates International Mother
Language Day, Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) challenges the
government, and its relevant ministries and departments to put measures in
place to ensure that all indigenous languages are preserved and respected. It
is the association’s contention that under no circumstances should the hegemony
of one or a few languages be allowed to dominate others, leading to a situation
whereby other languages are threatened with extinction. It is BPRA’s contention
that not enough has been done, since independence, to ensure the preservation
of all languages in Zimbabwe. Indeed some minority languages, notably the
language of the San people in the Matabeleland North Region, are nearing
extinction.
BPRA thus calls upon the government to put measures in
place to ensure the protection and preservation of minority and endangered languages
in Zimbabwe. The association proposes that primary schools should be staffed by
teachers who are conversant with the local languages so that children are
tutored in their mother languages during their early learning years. In
addition, all local languages should be taught in schools in their areas (for
example Venda taught in Beitbridge, Ndau in Chipinge, and Kalanga in Plumtree).
This would not only help preserve minority languages but also improve education
for minority ethnic groups. As a corollary to this, education colleges should
provide tutorage in local languages to widen the base for preservation of all
indigenous languages.
BPRA believes that the clauses in the final draft
constitution recognizing sixteen official languages in the country are a step
in the right direction. This is a tremendous improvement from the current three
official languages. The association also acknowledges efforts begun by the
Ministry of Education, a few years ago, to introduce languages such as Venda,
Tonga and Kalanga as subjects in primary schools.
The International Mother Language Day was proclaimed
by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
in 1999 and has been commemorated annually since February 2000 to promote
linguistic and cultural diversity. It is noted that languages have a bearing on
integration, education and development hence they are of strategic importance
for the well-being of all people. Meanwhile it is expected that at least half
of the 7000 languages spoken in the world could be extinct in a few generations
if no policies are introduced to preserve languages.
Regards
...................................
Emmanuel Ndlovu
Programmes and Advocacy
Manager
Bulawayo Progressive
Residents Association (BPRA)
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