Kiswahili, Language Oppression In Botswana And Our Cultural Identity :: Mmegi Online

We often think of language as a means to an end, simplistically understanding it as a system of conventional spoken, signed, or written symbols by which human beings, as members of a social group and participants express themselves.

Language is so much more than we give it credit for. It is inseverable from culture. Language usually points us to a specific people. You can therefore not understand a culture without accessing a language. Language is the expression of culture, fostering identity and solidarity.

It is the vehicle by which culture and its traditions as well as shared values may be conveyed and preserved. Culture is a strong part of people’s lives. It influences their views, values, humour, hopes, loyalties, worries and fears. At the heart of culture is how we do things. Invariably, culture defines us. It is in accordance to culture that our quality of life, and our vitality can be measured. Culture is what sets us apart. We must take cognisance of the importance and even the value of “uniqueness” as cultural capital.

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