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Official
recognition of the Tonga language
Catholic Commission
for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ)
December 02,
2011
The Catholic
Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ) join the Tonga
speaking people in celebrating the official recognition of their
mother tongue, Tonga, through its public Testing at Grade 7 level
by the Ministry of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture in 2011.
At the same time, CCJPZ recognises the efforts made by its sister
organisation, Silveira
House, for initiating advocacy and lobby processes culminating
to this success.
Language is
a very important tool for communication and preservation of won
culture. The history of any people is passed on through its language
and defines the identity, origin and aspiration of its speakers.
To deny or look down upon any people's language is a denial
of their rights and existence. As said by one leader ' a people
without a language are like a tree without roots'. The Tonga
language, like any other Zimbabwe local languages deserve such recognition
as a way of fostering national unity, cohesion and respect for diversity.
The Government
of National Unity (GNU) through the Minister of Education, Sport,
Arts and Culture, Mr Davis Coltart should be recommended for taking
a bold decision to officially recognise the Tonga language and other
organisations that have contributed to the translation and development
of the curriculum and literature for Tonga language. We look forward
to official recognition and speedy translation of curricular and
learning materials for other minority languages like Shangani, Venda
, Nambya, Kalanga and Chewa and their consequent learning and testing
even up to degree level.
However, what
remains is the recognition of these languages in the new constitution.
If the new constitution does not guarantee teaching and testing
of these languages in the areas they are spoken, this achievement
will go nowhere. CCJPZ recommends explicit clauses in the new constitution
that mandates our education institutions to tech and examine these
languages.
Finally, CCJPZ
encourages all stakeholders, especially traditional leaders, to
spearhead the promotion of dynamic local practices that will foster
development in their areas. Cooperating partners are also encouraging
to support the teaching of local languages through the provision
of appropriate teaching and learning resources so as to achieve
balanced development.
Visit the CCJPZ
fact
sheet
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