The following article from the Yaoundé paper, Cameroon Tribune, was seen on AllAfrica.com at http://allafrica.com/stories/200702210749.html ... DZO
Cameroon: Mother Tongue Losing Grounds Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé) http://www.cameroon-tribune.net February 21, 2007 Posted to the web February 21, 2007 Brenda Yufeh The International Mother Language Day is commemorated today. Shusila Rebecca Ambane, is a 18-year-old Yaounde inhabitant from the East Province who does not understand her native language. "I really feel uncomfortable when others speak my native language "Bobeles", she says, adding that, "Nobody in my family speaks "Bobeles", so how can I possibly learn the language?". The reason is that the "Bobeles" language is neither used in school or in Rebecca's home and surrounding. Joan Mbu, a resident in Kumba does not also understand her native language. However, unlike Sushila, his father and mother speak and understand their native language. Similarly, another inhabitant from the North West Province Eric Tamang, 17, is sad because he does not know his native language. Rebecca, Joan and Eric are only few examples of Cameroonians who do not know their mother languages. Given that linguistic and cultural diversity represent universal values that strengthen the unity and cohesion of societies, the recognition of today as the International Mother Language Day can not be over emphasised. This explains why the 2007 International Mother Language Day is celebrated under the theme "The linkages between mother tongue and multilingualism". Actors involved in the promotion of native languages in Cameroon say the government has a positive and clear action in developing the various native languages in the country but much is still to be done by the State as well as the population. Professor Maurice Tadadjeu, President of the National Association of Cameroon Language Committees, says languages play an important role in the integration process in all aspects of public life especially in the educational field. However, thousands of the world's 6,000 languages are absent from the public arena and 50 per cent are in danger of disappearing altogether. Prof. Tadadjeu explained that although the government is willing to develop native languages in the country, the ministries concerned such as that of Basic and Secondary Education are supposed to re-enforce government's decision by making sure that the teaching of the mother tongue is introduced in schools curriculum. Unlike the Ministry of Basic Education, the Ministry of Secondary Education is so far preparing to introduce the teaching of some mother tongues in schools and has already appointed an Inspector for National Language and Culture. While noting that in Cameroon some 270 mother tongues exist, Prof Tadadjeu reiterated that University of Yaounde I and the National Association of Cameroon Language Committees have undertaken research on 38 mother tongues which have proven successful. "What is left is for the various ministries to introduce the teaching of some mother tongues in schools especially the Ministry of Basic Education which is yet to take concrete actions", Professor Tadadjeu underscored. In spite of government's efforts in promoting the use of mother tongues, language experts say each Cameroonian should contribute in developing its own mother tongue as the government can not do everything. Statistics indicate that more and more people are beginning to develop interest in learning their mother tongues and several indigenous language committees are coming up. Copyright © 2007 Cameroon Tribune. Copyright © 2007 Cameroon Tribune. All rights reserved. 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