As Uganda joined the world to celebrate International Mother Language Day on Saturday, educationists and religious leaders in greater Kabale district faulted parents for failing to promote indigenous languages, a trend they say is contributing to their gradual extinction.
International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism, and the protection of indigenous languages worldwide. This year’s theme, “Languages Matter: Harnessing Technology to Document and Develop Uganda’s Indigenous Languages,” emphasizes the role of technology in preserving local languages.
The stakeholders argue that mother languages are key in shaping identity, culture, norms, and authentic tribal heritage. However, they noted that many parents in greater Kabale believe that a child speaking fluent English is a sign of civilization and education.
Robert Akampurira, a Runyankore-Rukiga teacher at Kigezi High School, welcomed government efforts to include indigenous languages such as Rukiga-Runyankore in the education curriculum from primary to university level. However, he urged government to ensure that mother languages are taught across all primary classes.
He also criticized parents who force children to speak English at home due to increasing technology exposure, noting that mother languages create employment opportunities and help young people freely express themselves, especially when interacting with family members in rural areas.
CUE IN AKAMPURIRA….ON LANGUAGES……RR//
Dr. David Majariwa, Director of the Institute of Language Studies at Kabale University, echoed similar sentiments, stating that mother languages are not only tools for communication but also vital in preserving customs, norms, culture, and identity.
Dr. Majariwa added that parents have a responsibility to teach their children indigenous languages, saying this helps improve children’s thinking ability and enables them to confidently express themselves when facing challenges.
CUE IN DR MAJARIWA….ON LANGUAGE……..RR//
Meanwhile, the Archdeacon of Bubaare Archdeaconry in Diocese of Kigezi, Ven. Oscar Mwesigwa, encouraged families to embrace mother language promotion as a way of preserving cultural heritage. He noted that church leaders prefer using local languages during preaching, saying it helps congregants better understand the word of God.
He further urged government and private education institutions to strengthen the teaching of mother languages at all levels of education to promote cultural diversity and national heritage.
