The Cabinet of Fiji has formally endorsed the Fiji National Action Plan (NAP) on the International Decade of Indigenous Language, aimed at revitalizing, restoring, and preserving the iTaukei language. This significant step demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s indigenous languages and culture in response to ongoing concerns about their decline.
A comprehensive implementation plan will be crafted to facilitate the strategies and commitments outlined in the NAP. Additionally, a new policy framework for the iTaukei Language Commission is set to be developed, which will further bolster efforts in language preservation and cultural sustainability.
This initiative is particularly crucial, given previous discussions led by Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, the chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC). He has brought attention to the alarming decline of indigenous languages and cultural practices, suggesting that language is a fundamental component of community identity. Ratu Viliame has previously expressed that a diminishing proficiency in these languages can result in the erosion of Fiji’s rich cultural heritage.
In past meetings, concerns were raised regarding the impacts of external influences, such as social media and the breakdown of traditional family structures, on the transmission of cultural values and language. The GCC has also emphasized the importance of making the Fijian language a mandatory subject in primary schools, aspiring to instill both language skills and cultural understanding in younger generations.
This latest endorsement of the NAP reflects a united effort to nurture and preserve Fiji’s rich indigenous heritage amidst modern challenges. The hope is that such educational reforms will empower future generations to remain connected to their cultural roots, ensuring that the unique identity of Fiji continues to flourish.
This initiative represents a positive and hopeful step for the nation, signaling a commitment to cultural pride, identity, and sustainability.
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