By Enock Okong’o
Moi University don Jane Obuchi has asked communities to embrace their mother tongue because it plays a pivotal role in the development of education.
Speaking to education stakeholders at Kisii University, she said that the mastery of English, Kiswahili or any foreign language depends on proper knowledge of one’s mother tongue.
“The best method of educating minds is that which begins from the known to unknown,” she said.
Obuchi, who is a lecturer in English language and Literature, lauded the government for re-introducing teaching of indigenous languages in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) because it will bridge the gap that has started to emerge between the younger generation and their elders.
“Teach this innocent young generation to stick to their culture which embodies language if they don’t want to be slaves,” she said.
The educator asked teachers to take advantage of the annual Music and Drama festivals to infuse important indigenous linguistic tools like proverbs, sayings and parables in their performances.
She also appealed to the heads of learning institutions to dedicate some days of the year to celebrate indigenous knowledge in their institutions.
Mrs. Obuichi, who is an author, publisher and Ekegusii translator of many books, asked the Kisii County government to set aside funds to support artists who exhibit exemplary talent towards the promotion of their vernacular language.
The researcher appealed to thespians from the county to join her in acting literary masterpieces such as William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ and Ngugi wa Thiongo’s ‘I Will Marry When I Want.’
She said that her organization will continue sensitizing communities to embrace their vernacular to also help in demystifying important lessons in the education sector.
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