Why we must save indigenous languages from extinction risk

A dancer entertains guests during the opening of the 2023 Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Language matters spiritually, culturally and emotionally. Written and spoken words are an art form, a way for values and traditions to be transmitted across generations.

Once a language is lost, the result is a cultural whitewash. By the same token, when language is preserved, traditions and customs live on in the hearts and minds of the people.

Language is more than sentence-structure and grammar. Language is a history, discourse, customs and heritage. It is the repository of invaluable wisdom and traditional knowledge. It represents the way of thinking of a people. Its importance is priceless.

Unfortunately, the world's indigenous languages are under threat of disappearing. The UN estimates indicate that one language is dying every two weeks. Kenyan languages are at a more aggravated risk of a silent death. The newly adopted Sustainable Development Agenda which aims at leaving no one behind seems to be leaving our languages behind.

The renewal of native languages is crucial for ensuring the continuance and transmission of our culture, customs and history. As a vehicle of culture, language carries and defines people's identity.

Article 44 of the Constitution entrenches the right of the citizens to use the language, and to participate in the cultural life of their choice. A person may enjoy that right individually or collectively with others.

In cohort with others, that right can be actualised by forming, joining and maintaining cultural and linguistic associations and other organs of civil society.

No one can compel or be compelled to perform, observe or undergo any cultural practice or rite. In Kenya, this is imperative as preservation of native languages guarantees the protection of the cultural uniqueness and dignity of various linguistic communities.

It's with this in mind that this opinion lauds the Senate for holding its proceedings in Kiswahili recently. Indeed, devolution is intended to strengthen the programme of self-rule.

In this, the Senate has set the ball rolling. County governments must take it forward and have their legislative proceedings in vernacular. These devolved governments should do more than just that. Local languages need not be isolated to political theatrics alone. Cultural programmes and related events need dedicated budgets and serious investment, not a leader's length of foot, grace or benevolence.

Regional and linguistic media houses are doing well. Their success is an indicator that language matters. It allows the people to fully own, participate and take charge of their own destiny. Language is the cultural glue that binds communities together. Consider what happened to people whose languages were forcibly snatched from them, overthrown by larger, supposedly more useful languages.

This scenario has played out countless times across centuries. At the hands of colonial powers or as a tool of national governments to suppress minority groups, language has always played a major role.

It occurs around the world today in classrooms where children are punished or humiliated for using languages and dialects that deviate from an accepted standard. This in itself amounts to corporal punishment, an offence in itself.

The response of all linguistic communities should not be to demonize the successive generations who speak English, Spanish, French, Swahili, or whatever the language of power might be. Rather, they should decry this cultural genocide and, where possible, gain back against the erosion of their linguistic heritage.

No doubt that these universal, big brother languages are important. They facilitate access to the global opportunities, knowledge and wisdom. It would seem easier, cheaper, and infinitely more practical just to accept them and move on.

But the sacrifice would be too much on community identity, collective purpose, and self-determination. The fact that people struggle to reclaim their languages despite the obstacles says something crucial about the value of language and the tragedy of loss.

While it's difficult to quantify, such losses have actual, damaging effect on health and quality of life. Conversely, the aptitude of community members to speak their indigenous language together enhances well-being.

It is like expecting the ceiling to remain standing after demolishing the wall. Language is the medium that carries the sentiment of social choices, practices and rituals. It ensures that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens.