Language should help us integrate
Feb 10, 2008
EDITOR—This is not meant as a rebuttal to Mr. Anslem Wandega’s articulate article, “Language policy hinders unity†published in <i>the New vision</i> of January 28. I am not even the most qualified person to comment on the matter. Language reflects the special characteristics of every cul
EDITOR—This is not meant as a rebuttal to Mr. Anslem Wandega’s articulate article, “Language policy hinders unity†published in the New vision of January 28. I am not even the most qualified person to comment on the matter. Language reflects the special characteristics of every culture; its conventions, history, tradition, race, religion, and political stand.
These cultural conventions do not only concern language, but also our world view. Since the 1970s understanding the culture has gained more recognition as an important component in the study of a foreign language.
No matter where we live, what language we speak, and what culture we represent, our cultural background forms the framework through which we perceive the world. Unfortunately, a comprehensive presentation of this issue is not possible in this article.
For now, I will speak the uncomfortable truth and as an example of any single indigenous Ugandan of any ethnic group not necessarily my own; declare I am a Ugandan because I am a Munyoro, not vice versa. By extrapolation, most Ugandans’ citizenship and way of life relies on their ability to trace their tribe-based ancestry to a ‘geographical area’ within Uganda.
Tribal loyalties are inevitably strong, inalienable and a danger to the national spirit. Instead of hiding from this diversity, it is better to tap it for the common good.
For instance, it is plausible that viable regional governments could be more efficient in many sectors than a remote central government. Emigration has changed citizenship worldwide meaning there are Ugandans whose citizenship is not tribe-based but who may also not speak any native language to a satisfactory level and are subsequently not integrated into our society. Therefore the issue of language is critical, to be taken seriously as one of the pillars of what defines us.
That said, the Ministry of Education took a bold and timely policy step in introducing education in vernacular at primary level. My only regret is that it did not go further to integrate Ugandans.
Many problems we face nationally can, in part, find resolution in an aggressive and enduring policy to make Ugandans understand each other more. Assuming all schools to be predivided into at least four regions, schools in one region should include on their curriculum, an instruction on the cultures, norms and practices from the other regions.
Where individual regions are themselves too diverse, a provision to also teach about the diversity within. All local languages should be official. This is significant and by far outweighs the resulting initial logistical nightmare.
However, our constitution, other laws and most important documents remain hostages of the English language, excluding millions. In Mr. Ariko’s report for the New vision on December 16, 2007, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr.John Byabashaija remarked that prisoners who are law savvy spend less time on remand. Probably a translated penal code would help to uphold the rights of prisoners.
An Acholi friend speaks unblemished Runyoro and I am humbled and ashamed not to speak a word of Acholi. Thousands of Ugandans have integrated abroad through speaking several foreign languages taught with emphasis on local values.
In Europe where many countries emerged around single language groupings, many speak more than one language. Why can’t we speak each others’ languages? The reviled colonialists who tried to create an artificial society based on English are long gone. Charity should begin at home. Integrate or stagnate.
Adyeri Kyomuhendo
Norway
These cultural conventions do not only concern language, but also our world view. Since the 1970s understanding the culture has gained more recognition as an important component in the study of a foreign language.
No matter where we live, what language we speak, and what culture we represent, our cultural background forms the framework through which we perceive the world. Unfortunately, a comprehensive presentation of this issue is not possible in this article.
For now, I will speak the uncomfortable truth and as an example of any single indigenous Ugandan of any ethnic group not necessarily my own; declare I am a Ugandan because I am a Munyoro, not vice versa. By extrapolation, most Ugandans’ citizenship and way of life relies on their ability to trace their tribe-based ancestry to a ‘geographical area’ within Uganda.
Tribal loyalties are inevitably strong, inalienable and a danger to the national spirit. Instead of hiding from this diversity, it is better to tap it for the common good.
For instance, it is plausible that viable regional governments could be more efficient in many sectors than a remote central government. Emigration has changed citizenship worldwide meaning there are Ugandans whose citizenship is not tribe-based but who may also not speak any native language to a satisfactory level and are subsequently not integrated into our society. Therefore the issue of language is critical, to be taken seriously as one of the pillars of what defines us.
That said, the Ministry of Education took a bold and timely policy step in introducing education in vernacular at primary level. My only regret is that it did not go further to integrate Ugandans.
Many problems we face nationally can, in part, find resolution in an aggressive and enduring policy to make Ugandans understand each other more. Assuming all schools to be predivided into at least four regions, schools in one region should include on their curriculum, an instruction on the cultures, norms and practices from the other regions.
Where individual regions are themselves too diverse, a provision to also teach about the diversity within. All local languages should be official. This is significant and by far outweighs the resulting initial logistical nightmare.
However, our constitution, other laws and most important documents remain hostages of the English language, excluding millions. In Mr. Ariko’s report for the New vision on December 16, 2007, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr.John Byabashaija remarked that prisoners who are law savvy spend less time on remand. Probably a translated penal code would help to uphold the rights of prisoners.
An Acholi friend speaks unblemished Runyoro and I am humbled and ashamed not to speak a word of Acholi. Thousands of Ugandans have integrated abroad through speaking several foreign languages taught with emphasis on local values.
In Europe where many countries emerged around single language groupings, many speak more than one language. Why can’t we speak each others’ languages? The reviled colonialists who tried to create an artificial society based on English are long gone. Charity should begin at home. Integrate or stagnate.
Adyeri Kyomuhendo
Norway