Mother tongue vital for cultural preservation
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday March 3, 2025 09:56
Kgolo-Lotshwao told Arts&Culture in an interview following last week’s postponement of the commemoration of the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) that the university had planned to hold IMDL commemorations on campus, bringing together students, academics, and the broader community to celebrate and reflect on the significance of mother languages. She stated that IMLD raises awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to protect endangered languages. She further explained that mother language shapes an individual’s identity, worldview, and cultural connections. She said it is the primary medium through which values, traditions and histories are transmitted across generations. Mother language also supports cognitive development and enhances an individual’s ability to learn additional languages. “IMLD serves as a reminder of the need to protect endangered languages, promote multilingualism, and ensure inclusive education for all. The day also highlights how languages contribute to identity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Celebrating IMLD reinforces the idea that every language matters and should be valued in both personal and public life.
This year’s theme is “Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day,” which marks 25 years of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity globally,” she said. Kgolo-Lotswalo stated that the theme emphasises the enduring significance of mother languages and aligns with the UB’s commitment to celebrating and preserving Botswana’s linguistic heritage. She added that the Faculty of Humanities hosts the annual commemoration because it is the home of languages at the University of Botswana. Furthermore, she noted that linguists from the Humanities were driving the implementation of indigenous languages in schools in Botswana. The theme is also said to highlight the value of language in fostering cultural pride and economic opportunities, as demonstrated by local artists who use their mother tongues in their work. She said locally, the most prevalent challenge to using the mother tongue is the societal perception that some mother tongues are less prestigious or useful compared to dominant languages like Setswana and English. “This linguistic insecurity leads to the marginalisation of minority languages and discourages their use in formal settings, including education and media. Studies on campus have shown that some students shy away from using their mother languages on campus, for example. There is limited institutional support for promoting indigenous languages, resulting in fewer opportunities for their active use and development,” she said.
Another major challenge she pointed out was the lack of resources and funding dedicated to language preservation initiatives, which hampers efforts to organise events like IMLD on a larger scale. Despite these obstacles, she said the event thrives through the passion and dedication of students and artists who volunteer their time and talents to celebrate their linguistic heritage. Established artists such as Tomeletso Sereetsi of Sereetsi and the Natives, Solly Sebotso, Shekgalagari musician Sheheya, and renowned Setswana poet Moroka Moreri, are said to have participated and showcased how mother languages could be celebrated through music, poetry, and art. These artists exemplify how mother languages are not only cultural assets but also a means of livelihood and artistic expression. Kgolo-Lotswalo added that efforts included community-driven language revitalisation programmes and documentation projects by societies such as Chelwa ya Shekgalagari and academic initiatives at institutions such as UB, which promote research and education in local languages.
She added that cultural events such as Dithubaruba and Domboshamba, music, and media content in indigenous languages also play a key role in preserving and promoting linguistic diversity. She further described Botswana as a multilingual country with an estimated 26–29 languages, reflecting the country’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. While Setswana is the national language, she said numerous indigenous languages contribute to Botswana’s linguistics and cultural tapestry. “The introduction of indigenous languages into the lower primary curriculum is a commendable step towards promoting linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion. This initiative not only helps children connect with their cultural roots but also enhances cognitive development and academic performance. Expanding such efforts across more regions and educational levels will further strengthen cultural pride and help preserve endangered languages, ensuring that future generations grow up valuing Botswana’s linguistic heritage,” she added.