Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), has issued a warning about the diminishing state of indigenous languages and culture in Fiji, highlighting the critical need for measures to safeguard them. During the recent two-day GCC meeting, which concluded on Thursday, serious concerns were raised regarding the erosion of these essential cultural elements.
Ratu Viliame emphasized that language transcends mere communication; it is integral to a community’s identity. Participants expressed their worries that the decline of language could result in a corresponding loss of cultural identity, potentially affecting Fiji’s future on multiple levels. He noted the historical concerns surrounding the deterioration of local languages and identified various social challenges, particularly the weakening of family guidance, as significant contributors to the diminished transmission of language.
He pointed out that when children lack parental guidance, they may be influenced by peers and adopt alien ideas, many of which conflict with traditional values. Ratu Viliame also underscored the adverse influence of social media, which often promotes foreign cultures and languages, risking the unique characteristics that define Fijian culture.
In light of these challenges, the GCC is taking proactive measures to address the issue. Ratu Viliame disclosed that education and culture subcommittees have been engaging with key stakeholders, including chiefs, to seek effective solutions. A major proposal emerging from these discussions is to reinstate the Fijian language as a mandatory subject in primary school curricula nationwide.
Ratu Viliame stated, “We need to start from the next generation and guide them through,” stressing that incorporating Fijian into the primary education system would not only teach the language but also instill the cultural values associated with it.
This initiative represents a positive step towards revitalizing Fiji’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots. By fostering language education in schools, there’s hope for a vibrant revival of Fiji’s indigenous cultures, laying a strong foundation for preserving cultural identity amid a rapidly changing world.
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