Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, the chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) in Fiji, has expressed serious concerns regarding the diminishing presence of indigenous languages and culture in the country. During a two-day meeting that wrapped up recently, the GCC engaged in discussions highlighting the urgent need for preservation efforts.
Ratu Viliame emphasized that language is not merely a method of communication; it is a vital component of a community’s identity. The council members voiced significant worry that a decline in language could jeopardize cultural identity, raising alarm about the long-term consequences this could have for Fiji’s heritage.
Reflecting on historical concerns over language deterioration, Ratu Viliame pointed to various social issues, particularly the breakdown of family structures, as contributing reasons for the erosion of language transmission. He noted, “When we neglect our children, when they are not guided at home, they leave the house, meet other kids, and adopt new ideas—many of which are not in line with our cultural values.”
He further discussed the influence of social media as a detrimental factor that often favors foreign cultures and languages, risking the unique aspects of indigenous Fijian culture. “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 pressing concerns, the GCC has initiated proactive measures. Educational and cultural subcommittees have been created and meetings with key stakeholders, including community chiefs, have been held to identify effective solutions. A major recommendation emerging from these discussions is to make the Fijian language a mandatory subject in primary schools nationwide.
Ratu Viliame remarked, “We need to start from the next generation and guide them through.” By including the Fijian language as a fundamental part of the primary school curriculum, children would not only learn the language but also gain an understanding of the cultural values associated with it.
This initiative holds promise for revitalizing indigenous languages and ensuring the passage of cultural heritage to future generations. With a collective commitment to these action plans, there is hope that Fiji’s unique identity will continue to flourish.
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