Gambia to mark 1st International Soninke Language Day

25 September is put aside by UNESCO to celebrate International Day of the Soninke language. Further, the event will take the form of a march past from Churchill’s Town petrol station to Westfield youth monument.

At a recent presser on Saturday, Gambian lawyer Sheriff Marie Tambadou, who is also president of Sumpoo Do Khati Youth Committee, reminded that on the 13th October, 2023, the executive board and the UNESCO General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 42C/61, and proclaimed 25th September of each year as International Day of the Soninke language.

“Considering the fact that the Soninke people founded the first empire south of the Sahara, the empire of Ghana, leaving for posterity a brilliant civilization, including their language, Soninke. Recognising the role that the Soninke language plays in promoting the universal values of solidarity and peace, also considering Soninke strengthening cohesion between peoples and countries, given that the language is spoken in several countries and recognised beyond Africa’s borders because of the attachment of its speakers, who make it their source of identity throughout the world. Convinced of the opportunity afforded by language days to inform and raise awareness among the general public of the need to promote national languages and safeguard them as intangible cultural heritage.”

This recognition, he added, underscores the need to raise public awareness and take strategic measures to safeguard the Soninke language. As a transboundary language, Soninke, serves not only as a natural means of expression, but also as a vital instrument for the conduct of intergovernmental cooperation and the promotion of dialogue and understanding between peoples and communities.

“Spoken language or national language in The Gambia, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, it has become an official language in Mali. It is also spoken by diaspora communities in Central and East Africa, France, Spain, and around the world. It is also now part of the curriculum of pre-kindergarten in New York. Given this vast scope, the preservation of the Soninke language is crucial. On the occasion of the 1st anniversary of this date, we wish to extend the appreciation and gratitude of all the Soninke in The Gambia to his Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia, and his government on his support, which allowed, with the support of many countries in the world, and in particular, the Malian.

He thus highlighted the need to promote multilingualism as a core value of the United Nations and essential factor in harmonious communication between people, which promotes unity in diversity and international understanding.

“On  the occasion of the 1st anniversary of this date, we wish to extend the appreciation and gratitude of all the Soninke in The Gambia to the president Adama Barrow, and his government.”