International Mother Language Day



SIL is a global faith based non profit organization that helps local language communities overcome the barriers that prevent them from flourishing with their languages. The International Mother Language Day was started by UNESCO and later adopted by UN General Assembly 25 years ago. Hence 21st February is the day to celebrate Mother Language Day and in Nairobi it was held at the University of Nairobi. 

What are the causes of the erosion of indigenous languages?                                            It has several causes that ought to be researched separately. It is unlike the death of someone that usually has only one cause to be investigated.                                                  Hunters and gatherers were looked down upon by pastoralists and hence with time they were assimilated by the pastoralists. With time fishermen communities were also lured by pastoralism and with time they also lost their languages.                                                                In some communities, the young people worked for members of other communities and ended up speaking in those other languages and neglected their own language. An example, Samburus were smaller in numbers than the Rendille in Samburu County. Sons of Rendille were hired by Samburus as herdsmen and they ended up speaking Samburu rather than their own language. 

What are the solutions to counter the eroding of indigenous languages?                                     Bible Translation in the local. Also different learning materials in printed books covering relevant topics e.g livestock diseases and their treatment methods.                                      Cultural Centres with events to celebrate local languages.                                                     Ministry of Education policy concerning local languages being taught as part of formal education in schools. Children should be taught to derive pride from their local languages. Community leaders teaching them in social forums on the importance of their languages. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IYF weekend Academy

Image
 IYF Weekend Academy Season 7 Graduation  Notable Chief guests included Emily Maina who is the Director of Youth Social Development for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Rev Yohan Kim and Deputy Governor at Kiambu County. IYF Academy has provided skills to disadvantaged youths. This initiative, a 3 months cohort structure has equipped students with practical skills. Since 2007, IYF has channeled out over 60,000 graduates. Over 5,000 youth graduated with certificates through the IYF Free Academy which offers plumbing, hairdressing, catering, computer packages, fashion and design. The institution is committed to youth empowerment. Young people don't lack potential they lack opportunities and exposure. This institution..... Successful global economies such as USA, Singapore, Scandinavian countries and China have 2 to 3% unemployment. The youth are not just job seekers, they are job creators.  We have the potential to reduce Kenya's ...
Read more

AERC Biannual Plenary Session

Image
  African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in partnership with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), has announced that the 61st Biannual Plenary Session focusing on the FinTech Revolution in Africa is now scheduled for December 1st, 2024,  in Nairobi, Kenya.  This session will provide a platform for commercial banking leaders to share their successes and lessons  in navigating  challenges and seizing untapped opportunities. Through their insights, we can explore how digital transformation and strategic partnerships, can deepen financial inclusion and add value to economies across the region.” FinTech projected to grow thirteenfold to US$65 billion by 2030 and will have a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% This year’s theme, “The FinTech Revolution in Africa,” reflects the continent’s pivotal role in driving global financial innovation and highlights its potential for inclusive growth and economic t...
Read more

KEHPHPU address to President Ruto

Image
(KEHPHPU) The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union has issued an urgent appeal to President William Ruto’s administration to prioritize preventive and promotive healthcare through increased investment and strategic reforms. KEHPHPU Secretary-General Hon. Brown Ashira Olaly, the union commended the government for its progressive legislative achievements in 2023, including the Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, Facility Improvement and Financing Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act. These developments, coupled with the establishment of Primary Health Care Networks, represent positive steps toward a robust healthcare system. However, the union highlighted significant challenges affecting Kenya’s health sector, particularly in the realm of preventive health services. It expressed concern over the persistent underfunding and neglect of preventive healthcare, citing the disproportionate allocation of resources to curative services. Out of the KES 140...
Read more