Rajendra Prasad, an academic from the University of the South Pacific, has called on the Government to engage with citizens in a language that resonates with them. Speaking at a recent public lecture, Mr. Prasad highlighted a common misconception that English is universally understood by everyone in Fiji.
He stated, “There is a perception that people would only feel comfortable contributing in the English language.” Mr. Prasad referenced discussions from a linguistics class regarding the significance of indigenous languages when conveying vital information, emphasizing that mere translations could lead to a loss of essential meaning.
Mr. Prasad stressed that for Fiji to embark on a truthful reconciliation process, there must be strong efforts to communicate with individuals in languages they are familiar with. He pointed out that given Fiji’s multiracial composition, accurately translating key concepts and creating effective terminology is crucial, as this can influence an individual’s willingness to engage.
He warned that the belief that English is the sole language understood by all can be misleading. To effectively reach people at the grassroots level, Mr. Prasad urged the Government to consider the implications of their language choices.