Isaac Pheko
22 October 2008
Francistown — The International Year of Languages was launched here last week Saturday. At the colourful event, guests were treated to traditional dishes, dance, choirs, poetry and theatre performances.
In her address to members of parliament, councillors, chiefs and members of the community, the Minister for Youth, Sport and Culture, Gladys Kokorwe, said that she was delighted that the organisers of the occasion chose the second city as the venue of the event.
She explained that Francistown has one of the most multilingual communities in the country, therefore it is fitting that Francistown should play host to an event of this nature.
"At its 62nd session in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year 2008 as the international year of languages. The possession of a language is one of the most distinctive human characteristics shared by all cultures. Language is a method of expression basically for the transmission of culture from one generation to the next.
"Language is a mirror of the culture of any society. It acts as a symbol of national identity and unity. Language is a very important element of culture because it is more than just a communication tool. People use language to build understanding and express their emotions, intensions, values, motions and practices. Language is therefore a critical factor in identifying individuals and groups. It is a necessary tool in all pedagogical work," Kokorwe explained.
Kokorwe highlighted that it was in recognition of the important role that language plays in society that the government of Botswana approved the national policy on culture in 2001. "It underscores the importance of our local languages as a rich resource that should be harnessed and developed for the benefit of posterity through research and documentation. This strategy is intended to ensure that cultural knowledge is not lost to future generations. The development of local languages in our society should be promoted as it will enhance mutual understanding, unity in diversity and social cohesion between and among communities, as well as promote participation in the development process," Kokorwe said.
She encouraged all Batswana to learn and speak the different local languages that represent our cultural heritage and diversity as a nation. She further added that our multicultural society, with its diverse languages, is both our pride and destiny. Kokorwe said that we have no other country to call home but Botswana, she further added that destiny has put us together in this land and we should put to good use all its resources including our cultural heritage.
Kokorwe revealed that the event is being held under the theme "languages matter". "The theme recognises the central role that languages play in the development and identity of humanity. Botswana, like many other countries, has several local languages. Our local languages include among others, the following: Setswana, Sekalaka, Sebirwa, Sekgalagadi, Setswapong, Sesarwa, Sembukushu, Sesubiya, Seherero, and Seyei. These languages are spoken freely and represent who we are. We should encourage and safeguard linguistic diversity as a country," said Kokorwe.
She revealed that the greatest challenge in the use of languages is that they are not static and they are subject to erosion and extinction. "The world commission on culture and development of 1996 warned that the most languages spoken to date might become extinct if not preserved and promoted. The loss of any language represents a loss of our living culture and a system of communication. Language loss means the loss of the closest ties one would have had with ancestors, history and future generations. This can result in the loss of dignity, identity and self-esteem.
Kokorwe said that back in February of this year the ninth international Mother language day commemorated in Gaborone. Projects, Programmes and activities have been instituted by different cultural organisations to ensure that our local languages do not become extinct. Some of these organisations include Mbuvungu wa Kathimana of the Hambukushu, Kamanakao Cultural Society of the Wayeyi, Domboshaba Cultural Trust of the Bakalaka, Reteng Multicultural Coalition, Lentswe la Batswapong, Chelwa Shekgalagadi Cultural Society and others," Kokorwe said.
She further revealed that these organisations have developed grammar, orthographies and books in local languages. The ministry has limited funds but it has assisted these organisations to discharge this crucial role. It is important for each one of us to own this process of preserving and promoting the use of local languages," Kokorwe concluded.
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