Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, the chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), has raised important concerns regarding the diminishing state of Fiji’s indigenous languages and culture, urging immediate action to safeguard them. During a two-day GCC meeting that concluded recently, the issues surrounding language erosion took center stage.
Ratu Viliame emphasized that language is more than just a communication tool; it is a fundamental aspect of a community’s identity. Members of the GCC voiced their worries that the decline of indigenous languages could lead to a loss of cultural identity, which would have significant ramifications for Fiji’s future.
Reflecting on the matter, Ratu Viliame recalled concerns about the gradual degradation of their languages. He pointed out that various social issues, including the breakdown of family structures, significantly contribute to the decline in language transmission. “When children are not sufficiently guided at home, they encounter new influences outside that may not resonate with our cultural values,” he stated.
He also noted the impact of social media, which can often promote foreign cultures and languages, further threatening local traditions. Ratu Viliame stressed the importance of controlling and guiding children’s exposure to these influences to preserve what makes Fiji unique.
In response to these pressing issues, the GCC has initiated proactive measures. Education and culture subcommittees have engaged with key stakeholders, including chiefs, to develop effective solutions. One notable recommendation from these discussions is to reintroduce the Fijian language as a compulsory subject in primary schools nationwide.
“We must start with the next generation and guide them,” Ratu Viliame urged, underscoring that incorporating Fijian into the primary school curriculum will not only teach children the language but also impart the cultural values associated with it.
This proactive approach from the GCC is a hopeful sign for the preservation of Fiji’s rich heritage. By prioritizing indigenous languages in education, there is a renewed opportunity to strengthen cultural identity among future generations, ensuring that Fiji’s unique traditions endure.
Overall, there is a strong commitment to address these challenges, highlighting the community’s desire to protect its cultural integrity for years to come.
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