The future of the mother tongue

The legacy of colonization is still in effect today in South Sudan, especially in many sectors of our societies. Because of colonial lies, we have lost the confidence to run and sustain our nation truly. Other foreign interests and viewpoints take centre stage to the detriment of the future and image of the republic. In our education sector, Arabic and English are the lingua franca of the land. We learn, teach, speak and maintain our written histories through these languages and when it comes to our oral histories, many of them have remained in our tongues and have been told orally. We have not taken the time to fully develop our education sector to showcase our linguistic, cultural and historical diversity. 

As a nation, we need to cement into the minds of the children and the people the importance of their unique history, our liberation struggles and triumphs over colonialism. We have a rich legacy that’s being lost to time due to poor maintenance of vital information. We need to digitize and archive our native languages, histories, inventions and contributions to humanity. We cannot solely rely on the continuation of oral culture to be done orally any further. We need to capture the wisdom of the elders in books, and films and commercialize them for the sake of longevity. 

Only what has been digitized in the age of technology and information can survive in the long run. In South Sudan, it has to become law for children to be educated and learn in their native languages as part of their education and to ensure the continuation of their native cultures. By the same token, South Sudanese children must be educated about each other’s tribal languages, customs, and cultures and contribute to the nation in contemporary times and historical times. The future of the republic is inclusive and empowering in the linguistic and educational sectors. 

In conclusion, the digitization, commercialization and technological advancement in linguistics in South Sudan is what will ensure the longevity of our cultures, languages, diversity, and contributions to our collective history. We cannot rely solely on oral traditions to pass on important traditions and customs, and we must help digitize our information for future generations.