Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, has raised alarms regarding the extinction of some African languages within a century, emphasizing their integral role in cultural identity. Speaking at an event for the International Organisation of La Francophonie, he called for increased multilingualism and government support for indigenous languages in education to preserve these vital cultural resources.
In a recent statement, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed concern over the potential extinction of various African languages within the next century. He emphasized that language represents the essence of a community’s culture and identity, urging Africans to be alarmed by the decline of languages spoken by smaller communities. His remarks were made during a flag raising ceremony for the 55th Anniversary of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in Accra.
The OIF aims to promote the French language along with cultural and linguistic diversity, peace, and democracy. Mr. Ablakwa noted that Africa harbors an immense wealth of linguistic diversity, containing approximately one-third of the world’s languages. He cited the UNESCO Atlas, which estimates that as many as 10 percent of African languages, especially those of small communities, could vanish within the next hundred years, a reality he deemed alarming.
Consequently, he urged African governments to promote multilingualism, including indigenous languages, as a mechanism for fostering unity, peace, and sustainable development. He articulated that encouraging multilingualism would enhance social cohesion and inclusivity. Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the Ghanaian Government’s dedication to institutionalizing the use of indigenous languages in early educational settings.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of integrating local knowledge, traditions, and storytelling into educational materials to enrich the learning experience for children. Mr. Ablakwa believes this approach will be vital for preserving indigenous languages and cultures, while simultaneously improving educational outcomes for learners in Ghana.
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has underscored the urgent need to address the potential extinction of African languages, as they are crucial to cultural identity. He advocates for the promotion of multilingualism and the integration of indigenous languages in education. By investing in these linguistic and cultural resources, African nations can enhance unity, inclusivity, and educational quality, thereby fostering sustainable development.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
