International Mother Language Day in Botswana
Staff Writer | Friday February 20, 2015 16:25
Like other countries, Botswana adopted February 21 as the official day to celebrate the diverse languages that are found in the country. However, this year, commemorations will be held a day earlier.
The objectives of commemorating this important day include creating awareness on the importance of recording local languages, resuscitating and promoting the use of the country’s diverse local languages by all citizens of Botswana, creating awareness on the importance of languages in socio-economic development and national unity and showcasing the diverse languages in the form of verbal presentations, performing arts and exhibitions.
Since 2012 to date, the theme for National Languages Day has been ‘My Language, My Pride’, which when translated into Setswana is ‘Ke ipela ka teme yame’.
This year’s celebration will be held at Middlepits main kgotla with activities such as the presentation of messages using Sebirwa, Sesarwa, Ikalanga, Sekgatla and Sign language among others.
The day will also feature storytelling in local languages, exhibitions of publications written in local languages and entertainment through poetry, song, dance and drama as well as an overview of language status by the University of Botswana.
The event will run from 8 am to 1 pm.