BY JOY OFASIA
IN Honiara, hundreds of people have gathered to commemorate International Mother Language Day 2024.
Promoting linguistic and cultural diversity is the objective of this year’s global event, which has as its theme “Multilingual Education Is a Pillar of Intergenerational Learning.”
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Faculty of Education and Humanities in the east of Honiara organized and hosted the event on Wednesday, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting mother tongues.
Dr. Patricia Rodie, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, urged all stakeholders to recognize and support the importance of maintaining the Solomon Islands’ linguistic heritage.
“This event is not just a celebration but a call to action, encouraging all stakeholders, from policymakers to educators and communities to individuals, to recognize and support the vital importance of maintaining our linguistic heritage.
”It aligns with global efforts to protect and promote indigenous languages, ensuring they remain a living, thieving part of our cultural landscape.
”In doing so, SINU reaffirms its role as a leader in cultural preservation and academic excellence, contributing significantly to the sustainable development and cultural enrichment of the Solomon Islands and beyond,” the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities said.
Dr. Patricia continued: “Let us remember the words of poet Rita Joe: ‘I lost my talk, the talk you took away, when I was a little girl at Shubenacadie School.’ As we move forward, let us ensure that no child in the Solomon Islands loses their talk, their language, or their identity. Let us work together to preserve, promote, and protect our mother tongues for generations to come.”
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Education, Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Coalition for Education in the Islands, Solomon Islands Translation Association Group (SITAG), and SINU staff and students celebrated the event.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated February 21st as International Mother Language Day in 1999 to honor the language movement in Bangladesh, where students and activists fought for the recognition of their mother language, Bangla, in 1952. The movement eventually led to the establishment of Bangla as one of the official languages of the country.
In a statement released on International Mother Language Day, the UNESCO Director-General emphasized the role of mother languages in promoting unity and understanding among different communities. She also stressed the need to protect and promote endangered languages to ensure cultural heritage and diversity are preserved for future generations.
”As the world becomes more interconnected, celebrating International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity and the role that languages play in shaping our identities and fostering mutual respect and understanding. By celebrating our mother languages, we can contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious world where all languages and cultures are celebrated and respected.”
