Senior Publications Officer and head of Business and Client Service at Bureau of Ghana Languages, Enoch Annan has called on the youth of Ghana to prioritize their native dialects, despite the increasing prominence of the English language in educational and social settings.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy Drive with Akua Sika, Mr Annan emphasized the critical role local languages play in preserving cultural identity and heritage.
“The English language is essential for academic and professional success, but our local dialects are the backbone of our culture. It is vital that young people, especially, continue speaking and embracing their native languages to keep our rich traditions alive,” he shared.
He further urged parents to take a proactive role in ensuring that their children speak their local dialects at home, especially when it comes to discipline.
He mentioned that the use of native languages can foster stronger emotional connections within families and communities.
“We should not wait for the children to learn their dialects on their own. As parents, we must make it a priority to teach them their mother tongue in their daily lives. This is not just about the language, but finding a way of instilling values, preserving history, and reinforcing a sense of pride in who we are as a people.”
International Mother Language Day, is observed every year on February 21,this year’s celebration is under the theme” Youth Voices on Multilingual Education.” It celebrates linguistic diversity and raises awareness about the importance of protecting and promoting all languages.
