Fiji’s Cultural Crisis: Can We Save Our Indigenous Languages?

The chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, has expressed serious concerns regarding the erosion of indigenous languages and cultures in Fiji. He emphasized the urgent need for action to preserve these vital aspects of national identity during the two-day GCC meeting that concluded recently.

Ratu Viliame articulated that language serves not only as a communication tool but as a fundamental component of community identity. The GCC members shared their worries that the decline of native languages could significantly threaten Fiji’s cultural identity and its future.

He reflected on the growing concerns about language deterioration and indicated that social issues, particularly the breakdown of family guidance, play a significant role in this decline. Ratu Viliame stated that the lack of parental guidance allows children to acquire new ideas from peers that may not align with traditional cultural values.

Moreover, he pointed out the detrimental impact of social media, which frequently promotes foreign cultures and languages at the expense of local traditions. He warned that without proactive efforts to manage children’s exposure to these influences, Fiji risks losing its unique cultural heritage.

In a positive move to tackle these challenges, the GCC has initiated steps to address the concerns raised. Subcommittees focused on education and culture have met with various stakeholders, including chiefs, to explore practical solutions. A key recommendation stemming from these discussions is to make the Fijian language a mandatory subject in primary schools, ensuring that future generations are equipped with not only the language but also the accompanying cultural values.

Ratu Viliame emphasized, “We need to start from the next generation and guide them through.” By reintroducing the Fijian language as a core curriculum subject, there’s potential to foster a stronger connection to cultural identity among children, ultimately leading to a revitalization of Fiji’s unique heritage.

This proactive approach to preserving cultural identity highlights a shared commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s linguistic and cultural future. There’s hope that these efforts could have a lasting positive impact on the nation’s younger generations, nurturing a sense of pride and belonging in their heritage.