[civsoc-mw] Use of indigenous languages

Wed Sep 23 13:44:27 CAT 2020

KPD, 

Language as mode of communication is the least of our problems. It is language as a source of identity or nationhood that gives rise to those thorny issues. Unless we recognize there is unity in diversity it will be difficult to appreciate why others feel strongly about these matters. 

My point about the EU was to say that English is not the only language (even if it is widely spoken). The 27 members states have their own languages. Africa is unique in that it has many more languages (the AU agreed on the colonial languages English, French, Portuguese, I think Spanish, and the. Swahili, and this remains a matter of continuous/contentious debate). 

Instead of imposing strict rules say only English in the National Assembly we should be more accommodating than we have been. We had Chichewa, Tumbuka and Yao interpretation during the constitutional conferences in the 90s.

> On Sep 23, 2020, at 7:21 AM, KPD <maluwakpd at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Trevor,
> 
> Honestly, I look at a language as a means to communicate. If I am able to communicate with you then I am happy.
> 
> English and Nyanja\Chichewa is good enough. 
> 
> Saying European union has 27 languages is the same as saying African union should use 57 languages. So which language would be from each country?
> 
> Let focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
> 
>> On Wed, 23 Sep 2020, 12:37 trevor chimimba, <trevorchimimba at gmail.com> wrote:
>> KPD, 
>> 
>> You are narrating only part of that history. The history that was ushered in post 1992 (almost 30 years now) revolves around unity in diversity. Our constitution provides a platform for that exploration. 
>> 
>> The EU parliament has 27 languages for its members states. 
>> 
>> Tanzania has been doing this forever. How can we have our laws in English when a majority does not speak that language. 
>> 
>> The issue here is one of resources. And we will be responsible for the dying of our rich languages. 
>> 
>>>> On Sep 23, 2020, at 6:22 AM, KPD <maluwakpd at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> You are ignoring historical perspective. 
>>> 
>>> For more than 30 years we rallied around one language with our different cultures.
>>> 
>>> Now you believe the same will obtain when there are many languages. It may sound liberating but don't forget that man uses anything to segregate others.
>>> 
>>> Time will come when some districts and regions will start demanding public officers from specific language groups.
>>> 
>>> I am seated on an ant hill watching and listening attentively.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Wed, 23 Sep 2020, 12:05 Levi Manda, <admanda2002 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Malawi is a united nations, each with a unique culture and language. 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2020, 11:39 KPD <maluwakpd at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Charles,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Zoona. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Ine ndinangopemphedwa kuti ndiposite.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Wed, 23 Sep 2020, 11:30 Charles Golomoti, <cwakudabii.golomoti at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> "Compliment" and "Complement" may sound similar, but they mean totally different things, no? Lol....
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> CWG
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2020 at 6:01 AM KPD <maluwakpd at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> *PETITION TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN MALAWI TO INTRODUCE INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (S) IN THE HOUSE TO COMPLIMENT THE USE OF ENGLISH.* 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> https://secure.avaaz.org/community_petitions/en/members_of_parliament_in_malawi_introduce_indigenous_language_s_in_malawis_parliament_to_complement_the_use_of_english/?ekpkyurb&utm_source=sharetools&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=petition-1121689-introduce_indigenous_language_s_in_malawis_parliament_to_complement_the_use_of_english&utm_term=pkyurb%2Ben
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On Mon, 21 Sep 2020, 21:28 Nini Sulamoyo, <ninisulamoyo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>> MPs should know that no matter what national governments are not purely sovereign. For as long as development partners and donors are not chichewa speaking then we cannot leave them out. Since their international language os English then the use of English prevails. English is learnt in schools where MPs should emanate from. No short cuts. 
>>>>>> 
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