Tourism minister says language is vehicle for unity, identity

Abdou Jobe was speaking recently as he presided over the official opening of the second edition of the International Soninkara Language Day (ISLD) held at the Youth Monument, West Field.

However, this year’s event was held on the theme ‘digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ and attracted Sarahulleh communities across the country.

Addressing the well-attended gathering, Minister Jobe recalled that the day came out of the fruitful periods of consultations among the UNESCO’s 195 Member States on the Concept Note which was supported by The Gambia.

“Following due diligence, the UNESCO General Conference has set aside September 25th as International Day of The Soninkara Language,” he stated.

This day, he added, is a milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to promote national languages for sustainable socio-economic development and is also a source of pride for The Gambia because now only Swahili and Sarahulleh or Soninke enjoy this status among the hundreds of African languages.

He admitted that the success of the day is due to the strong effort made by all the stakeholders in the process of nominating Sarahulleh for this esteemed status including the Gambian Embassy in Paris, Association of Soninkara Speaking Countries (AES), the NCAC, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, scholars and linguists of the Sarahulleh language and UNESCO State Parties.

The Tourism Minister maintained that through this cooperation, which spanned across borders, economic zones and among intellectuals, they were able to add value to one of the widely spoken West African languages.

He acknowledged that Soninke or Sarahulleh language is spoken by millions in The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone, Mali, Mauretania and Burkina Faso and in the Diaspora.

“Language is a vehicle for unity and identity. It is a reflection of our cultural heritage, worldview and folklore. In sum, language is a repository of what its speakers hold in high value.”

Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, minister of Basic and Secondary Education, equally expressed delight to be associated with the event.

“It gladdens my heart as a young person from the Sarahulleh community to be here today to celebrate this important day. It is an intresting day and a remarkable achievement for this community.

As celebrations intensifies regarding this precious culture treasure that binds millions of people across the world, Minister Drammeh acknowledged that Soninke Language is a beacon of identity and that is what’ve seen demonstrated here.

The Basic Minister described the Soninke Language as one of resilience and heritage that enriches “our collective strength”.

“As the Ministry responsible for Baci and Secondary Education, we recognize the profound role language plays in shaping understanding and preserving culture. The Ministry is diligently working towards embracing indigenous seven languages including the Sarahulleh Language within our education systems.”

Modou Jagana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) JFIN Money Transfer, who read a statement on behalf of Sheriff Marie Tambadou, president, ‘Sumpou Doo Khati Youth Chapter’, described this international recognition as monumental in view of the fact that the Soninke language is now only the second African language ever to receive such an honor from UNESCO.

This remarkable achievement, he went on, reflects not only the richness of our language but also the strength and unity of the Soninke people across generations and continents.

He also spoke about the importance of this year’s theme, which he added, will helped amplify understanding especially in today’s interconnected world, where digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer powerful tools to record, preserve, and share our language like never before.

Also speaking, Yusuf Tunkara, a member of the Organising Committee International Soninkara Language Day, maintained that this remarkable achievement reflects not only the richness of our language but also the strength and unity of the Soninke people across generations and continents.

“Since this landmark proclamation, Soninke communities around the world - here in The Gambia, across Africa, Europe, and the Americas - have come together to mark this special day with pride and celebration.”