The chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, has expressed grave concerns regarding the decline of Fiji’s indigenous languages and culture, highlighting the urgent necessity to safeguard these vital elements of the nation’s identity. During a two-day meeting that recently concluded, the GCC raised alarms about the potential loss of language and its repercussions for Fiji’s cultural future.
Ratu Viliame emphasized that language is more than just a means of communication; it is a fundamental component of community identity. He noted that the erosion of language could signify the erosion of cultural identity itself, carrying profound implications for national unity and heritage. Citing discussions from the GCC meeting, he pointed out relevant social issues, particularly the weakening of parental guidance, as significant contributors to the decline of language transmission among younger generations.
He further highlighted the adverse effects of social media exposure, which often introduces foreign cultures and languages that overshadow local traditions. “If we don’t find ways to control and guide their exposure, we risk losing what makes us unique,” Ratu Viliame cautioned.
In response to these challenges, the GCC is taking initiative with plans to engage key stakeholders, including local chiefs, to develop effective strategies for preservation. A pivotal recommendation from these discussions is to reintroduce Fijian language as a mandatory subject within primary schools nationwide. Ratu Viliame underscored the importance of this measure, stating, “We need to start from the next generation and guide them through.”
Reintroducing Fijian as a core subject in schools provides an opportunity for children to connect with their heritage and cultural values. This proactive approach not only seeks to revitalize the language but also aims to instill a sense of pride in their identity among future generations.
This situation underlines the broader importance of cultural preservation and education. By taking these meaningful steps, Fiji has a chance to strengthen its cultural roots, ensuring that the beauty of its indigenous languages continues to thrive and enrich the lives of its people.
Overall, the GCC’s commitment to addressing the erosion of indigenous languages and making them integral to the educational system presents a hopeful path forward, fostering a generation that values and retains its rich cultural heritage.
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