BY JOY OFASIA
LANGUAGE is the soul of our country, according to Dr. Patricia Rodie, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
During the International Mother Tongue Language Day celebration on Wednesday at the Solomon Islands National University SINU Panatina Campus, Dr. Rodie made reference to this in her speech.
“In Solomon Island, our diverse vernacular languages are the heartbeat of our communities, connecting us to our ancestors and to each other,” she said.
Dr. Patricia said that, recognizing the pivotal role of language in early childhood development and education, the New Education Act 2023 has taken a landmark step by mandating the teaching of vernacular languages in early childhood.
“This is a testament to our nation’s commitment to preserving our linguistic heritage and ensuring that our children are rooted in their cultural identity from a tender age,” she said.
Dr. Patricia also said the SINU has been dedicated to advancing this mission.
“At SINU, we are dedicated to advancing this mission. We understand that language is not just a means of communication but a vessel for carrying our values, wisdom, and the essence of who we are as people. As such, we are committed to integrating language and vernacular training into our teacher education programs, ensuring that future generations are equipped to nurture and pass on this invaluable legacy,” she said.
Dr. Patricia further said that, in line with our commitment to the preservation and development of our vernacular languages, the university is pleased to be working in partnership with the Kulu Language Institute and will also be forming a partnership with SIL International through the Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Group (SITAG).
She said this alliance will bolster our support for the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development in the implementation of the new Education Act, aligning with the global movement of the international Decade of Indigenous Languages.
