By Yunus Saliu
In its continuous efforts on the elaboration of the National Languages Policy, the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC)Tuesday held a daylong forum at the Governor of West Coast Region office in Brikama to sensitize and gather relevant information that would help on the development of National Language Policy for The Gambia.
The forum was supported by the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) and attended by different stakeholders. Among them were court members, community elders, women leaders, cultural activists, linguistics, non-governmental organizations, chiefs from various districts of the region, local government authorities, staff of the governor’s office, and the press, all gathered to contribute to a better way for the National Language Policy development.
Presiding over the opening of the forum, Deputy Governor of West Coast Region Babagalleh Jallow described language as a bedrock of culture, identity, and national unity while tagging their gathering as crucial to recognise the power of language in shaping the society and the “future of our nation.”
The Gambia is a diverse country rich in language and culture, “Our linguistic diversity is a source of strength, reflecting the tapestry of our history and heritage,” he added.
Taking into consideration the challenges of language, particularly in communication and education, he said the country must develop a comprehensive national language policy that celebrates the country’s diversity while promoting unity and inclusivity.
National Language Policy, he added, must recognise and respect the linguistic rights of all citizens, so “every Gambian should have the opportunity to learn and use their mother tongue, as language is not just a means of communication, but also fundamental human rights,” the Deputy Governor elaborated.
In addition, he urged everyone to recognise the importance of a lingua franca for national cohesion and development, and as “district Seyfos and elderly people of this gathering, you play a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation.”
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the NCAC applauded participants for their contributions to the forum, especially for making it a very interactive session.
He reiterated that the forum is meant to look at “What is the current state of our national languages as far as development is concerned, and how can our local languages become lingua franca in our country so that they will become more effective engines to help us bring about sustainable development in the Gambia.”
He reminded the gathering saying a country cannot develop using a foreign language “Therefore, this is one of the reasons we are supporting The African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) under the African Union, headed by Dr. Lang Dampha who has been tasked to start consulting stakeholders across the country to get ideas that will form the backbone of a National Languages Policy.”
Speaking earlier, Siaka Fadera, Deputy Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture, welcomed participants to the forum and as well thanked them for making it up to the forum despite their busy schedules.
DDG Fadera elaborated on the importance of having a National Languages Policy while calling for the stakeholders’ commitment to the elaboration of the National Languages Policy exercise and also thanked the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) for the support and funding.
Sanna B Jarjou, Head of Literature, Arts and Performing anchored the forum.
