Fiji’s Language Crisis: Are We Losing Our Cultural Identity?

Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), has expressed serious concerns over the decline of indigenous languages and culture in Fiji, calling for immediate action to safeguard them. During a two-day meeting that concluded on Thursday, GCC members highlighted the critical role language plays in community identity.

Ratu Viliame emphasized that the erosion of language poses a significant risk to cultural identity, which could have long-lasting effects on Fiji’s future. He reflected on the community’s worries regarding the diminishing use of the Fijian language, recalling the discussions that centered on various social issues impacting language transmission, particularly the deterioration of familial guidance.

He pointed out that when children lack proper guidance at home, they are influenced by their peers and external factors, often adopting ideas that conflict with their cultural values. Ratu Viliame specifically noted the detrimental influence of social media, which tends to elevate foreign cultures and languages over local traditions, urging the importance of managing and guiding children’s exposure to such content to maintain Fiji’s unique cultural identity.

In response to this pressing issue, the GCC is taking proactive measures by engaging with key stakeholders, including chiefs, to explore actionable solutions. A noteworthy proposal that emerged from these discussions is the reintroduction of Fijian as a mandatory subject in primary schools. Ratu Viliame advocated for this step as a means of fostering language proficiency and cultural understanding among the younger generation.

By making Fijian a core component of the primary school curriculum, he believes children will not only learn the language but also internalize the associated cultural values, ultimately striving to preserve Fiji’s rich heritage for future generations.

Overall, this initiative is a hopeful and positive step forward, underscoring the collective commitment to preserving Fiji’s unique culture and ensuring that indigenous languages continue to thrive.