- He also urged the government to be on the lookout while developing educational policies and designs not to ignore mother languages.
- By learning in their mother tongue, students are not only able to grasp concepts more effectively but also develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
- This is a continuous conversation every member of the community, government, and education stakeholders cannot ignore.
A tongue is only good if it can spit the language her mother gave her. These languages are like open scars in the face of humanity that never fade whatsoever.
The languages of mothers, barren or fertile, are languages with names of identity, customs and beliefs. Roots of strong traditions like ancient trees.
A young man who loses his mother language is like a prodigal coward of truth and identity.
For the world has rapidly exhibited change and globalization is drastically advancing, the significance of preserving indigenous languages cannot be overstated.
Mother Language Day, observed on February 21st each year, stands as a testament to the crucial role that native tongues play in preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive societies.
On February 20-21, 2024, Kabarak University, in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCOChair, spearheaded a two-day conference and festival dedicated to celebrating this essential aspect of language and heritage preservation.
The University, in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, proudly kicked off the 2024 International Mother Language Day with a pre-celebration conference.
Prof. Henry Kiplangat, Kabarak University Vice Chancellor, highlighted the importance of multilingual education in fostering inclusivity, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring no one is left behind.
The event brought together esteemed guests, including Ms Evaline Owoko from the Ministry of Education, Ms Nancy Macharia from the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, and distinguished Keynote Speakers Prof. Felicia Yieke from Laikipia University and Dr. Zipporah Okoth from KCA University.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the challenges, particularly the mismatch between home languages and school languages, impacting global education systems.
He praised UNESCO’s efforts and Kabarak University’s commitment to championing intergenerational learning.
He also urged the government to be on the lookout while developing educational policies and designs not to ignore mother languages.
“The Ministry of Education should provide space for mother language in the education policy so that learners can take pride in their mother tongue, that is in our country, the benefits are enormous for us as a nation and for the global community,” advised Prof. Kiplangat.
“There is an urgent need to enhance a commitment in creating a world where every language is valued, every culture is respected, and every learner thrives,” Prof. Kiplangat reaffirmed.
He officially opened the 2024 International Mother Language Day Pre-Celebration Conference, setting the stage for a two-day celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
The essence of Mother Language Day lies in its celebration of linguistic diversity and the unique identities embedded within each language.
For communities and cultures across Kenya and Africa, this day serves as a platform for honouring and upholding their mother tongues, which are often repositories of traditional knowledge, wisdom, and cultural practices.
The practice of this celebration is recognising the profound impact that mother languages have on learners and society as a whole.
For learners, the importance of being educated in their mother tongue cannot be overstated.
Studies have consistently shown that children learn best when instruction is delivered in a language they understand fluently.
By learning in their mother tongue, students can grasp concepts more effectively and develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
If there is one reason African countries, including the Kenyan government, fail to provide sustainable education and competencies, it is their failure to develop curriculum designs that embrace mother languages as the language of instruction.
Or better still, being multilingual is a great measure of intelligence, according to statistics.
In the context of education, learners will learn best from when the language of instruction is the language they are fluent in.
Moreover, embracing indigenous languages in education promotes inclusivity and equity by providing equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds.
It fosters a sense of pride in one’s cultural heritage and contributes to preserving and revitalising endangered languages.
Last holiday, I had my younger brother Benedict struggle to speak the Dholuo language, my mother language; they could not say greetings or offer requests in their mother tongue.
Surprisingly, when these kids do not know their language completely, parents ignorantly take a sense of pride in their kids not knowing how to speak their language.
Who has bewitched Africans?
Beyond the peripheries of education, the preservation of indigenous languages holds profound implications for society at large.
Language is not merely a tool for communication but also a vehicle for expressing identity, heritage, and worldview.
When languages fade into obscurity, invaluable cultural knowledge and perspectives are lost, undermining the richness and diversity of human experience.
“Linguistic diversity and multilingualism are priceless heritages for humanity, but they are fundamental values in international diplomacy.
It strengthens the dialogue between people from different backgrounds and promotes tolerance inside and among countries,” said Gentiana Serbu, Ambassador of Romania to Kenya, the keynote speaker of the conference, during her speech.
Furthermore, the erosion of indigenous languages can exacerbate social inequalities and marginalize communities whose voices are silenced in the dominant discourse.
By celebrating Mother Language Day and promoting multilingualism, we affirm the intrinsic value of linguistic diversity and commit to creating more inclusive and equitable societies.
This is a continuous conversation every member of the community, government, and education stakeholders cannot ignore.
Mother Language Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous languages as integral components of our collective heritage.
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There is no better covenant even as we reflect on the significance of this unique language day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting linguistic diversity, fostering inclusive education, and safeguarding the cultural legacy of future generations.
