The University of Education (UEW) College of Languages Education (CoLANGE) Observes 2018 International Mother Language Day in Grand Style
The College of Languages Education (CoLANGE), Ajumako observed the 2018 International Mother Language Day (IMLD) at the Ajumako Campus amidst rich Ghanaian cultural displays and speeches. The event which took place on Wednesday 21st February, 2018 was held under the theme “Preserving Linguistic Diversity and Promoting Multilingualism to Support the SDGs”.
Prof. Anyidoho delivering the Keynote Address
In her keynote address, Prof. Akosua Anyidoho, from the University of Ghana, Legon, expressed delight to be a part of the celebration. She explained multilingualism and linguistic diversity, as a state of many languages which has implications for identity. She added that:
“Identity is not all about what one wears and eats but it goes deeper than that. It provides the wellbeing of individuals and it also provides their mark for success. Identity is very vital in everything that we do. Thus, it is important for communication and social integration.”
Prof. Nsoh giving the Welcome Address
The Principal of CoLANGE, Prof. Ephraim Avea Nsoh also cautioned the participants and Ghanaians in general to desist from the habit of mocking students who study Ghanaian languages and cultures at the tertiary level. He however encouraged every student of CoLANGE to be proud and also urged them to create awareness anytime 21st February approaches.
“This day is a very important day for us. It is a day to tell us to begin to rethink our culture and language. A day to rethink our own identity and what we stand for as an institution, individuals and people offering Ghanaian languages. It is an important day that we need to create awareness amongst ourselves in trying to understand that there is the need to coexist as groups, institutions, languages and cultures, community, political parties and all other groupings whether social, political or religion.” The Principal said.
Dr. Owu-Ewie stating the Purpose of the Gathering
The Dean of the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education (FGLE), CoLANGE, Dr. Charles Owu-Ewie encouraged participants to be proactive and strong advocates of Ghanaian Languages, adding that the Faculty had to lead in the advocacy. Explaining further, Dr. Owu-Ewie said, “We cannot sit down and let people do the advocacy for us. We have to do it ourselves and let people know.”
Mr. Andrews Quaye, a representative from the Ministry of Education
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Andrews Quaye (a representative from the Ministry of Education) indicated that Ghana was committed to the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4/7 which promotes the concept of global citizenship while recognising cultural diversity and culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
There were rich cultural displays and poetry recitals from the Departments of Gur-Gonja Education, Ewe Education, Akan-Nzema Education and Ga-Dangme Education.