Language Liberation in West Africa
It is always a pleasure being around people who share a common goal. I recently spent four hours in an (online) Language Liberation Workshop led by Xabi Odriozola [International Commonality Reference Person for Languages and Interpreting].
I loved being reminded of the beauty of our languages. Hearing several languages from the Western part of Africa was a highlight. Xabi encouraged us to appreciate and be proud of them.
I spoke my mother’s language before any foreign language. I was treated as an outcast because I could not speak other languages well. We have also often been judged for our accents when speaking the colonial language. I am having Co-Counseling sessions on reclaiming my mum’s tongue [language].
I am proud of all our numerous rich and powerful languages. I also wish we had a common language for all of Africa.
Accra, Ghana
Reprinted from the e-mail discussion list for RC Community members
(Present Time 208, July 2022)