PanSALB hosts Khoe and San language indaba

THE PAN South African Language Board (PanSALB) has underscored the urgent need to develop a comprehensive roadmap to promote respect for indigenous languages and identify areas requiring revitalisation.

This call to action was highlighted during a recent Khoe and San National Language Indaba, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Khoe and San traditional leaders, communities, academics, students and language experts.

The virtual indaba is a key component of PanSALB’s initiatives aimed at revitalising endangered indigenous languages. It also aligns with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), as declared by Unesco.

PanSALB urged all levels of government to take proactive measures in response to the recommendations made during the Indaba.

The organisation has expressed its readiness to support and collaborate with all stakeholders involved in this effort.

The chief executive officer of PanSALB, Lance Schultz, emphasised the importance of incorporating research reports and providing additional support to enhance the recognition of indigenous languages.

“It is important to reflect on the 30 years of democracy in identifying sustainable solutions to address linguistic human rights, particularly focusing on the development, and promotion of the Khoi and San languages and their various dialects,” said Schultz.

“The overarching recommendations arising from the Khoe and San Language Report for sustainable language development and preservation include the development of comprehensive language revitalisation assessment reports for each living language, early childhood education for mother-tongue speakers, and cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries to facilitate mother tongue education and cultural preservation.”