Rajendra Prasad, an academic from the University of the South Pacific, has called on the government to communicate with the public in a language that resonates with them. During a recent public lecture at USP, he noted that there is a widespread belief that English is universally understood in Fiji.
Prasad emphasized that while many assume people are comfortable expressing themselves in English, this is not the case. He recounted a linguistics class discussion on the significance of indigenous languages in conveying critical messages, highlighting that mere translation often fails to capture the original meaning.
For Fiji to effectively begin a process of truth and reconciliation, Prasad argued that there must be a strong effort to engage with each individual in their preferred language. He pointed out that, given Fiji’s multiracial composition, accurately translating key terms and developing meaningful titles is vital. This meticulous approach can significantly influence whether individuals feel encouraged to participate.
Prasad cautioned that the government’s assumption that English is a universally understood language may hinder effective communication. He stressed that if the government intends to connect effectively with people at the grassroots level, it must carefully consider the language employed in its outreach efforts.