Language As a Tool for Development

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

28 June 2011

analysis

As it has been the case with series of editions of the Arts and Culture, this afore mentioned subject is selected for discussion and public scrutiny owing to the significance of language of all forms and the overall use of language as a tool for human development.

Language play a vital role in the development of human race; as such its significance cannot be under-estimated. Language could be best described as a method of human communication, which could be in the form of either spoken or written and it also consisted the use of words in an agreed way. In essence, Language is the faculty of speech or a style of expression depending on the user, hence the world having different types of languages which are often reduced into ethnic groups, spread across the world.

Nonetheless, there are various accounts and records relating to the origin and history of language and ethnic groupings in the world, but they all shared similar origin, from the unique creation of human race into this planet. It is widely held that the first human beings to survive on earth were just a couple (man and his wife) whose off springs later spread across the globe as they increased in numbers. As human population increased, the use of language began to occupy a centre stage in the world affairs as illustrated in a number of languages spoken and continue be spoken in the world.

There are millions of languages spoken in the world on a daily basis and the Gambia is a clear manifestation to this reality. Despite the size and a population under two million, the country has nothing less than ten different languages spoken in the country beside English as the official language thanks to the history of colonial activities in the country.

It is important to make reference to some vital elements of usage. However, it is widely held that words either spoken or written are capable of building to the desired level, but they are also equally capable of destroying within minutes. It’s acknowledged by many that a nation cannot achieve its overall development objectives in the absence of having an effective method or methods of communication in place, in line with the spirit and letter of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other numerous Treaties and Conventions, which most often than not inspired our various national laws, polices and programmes. It would be of interest to note and appreciate realties revolving round the concept of tribalism as a none starter in our various development objectives right from local, national and international level.

This brings to mind series of discussions and debates held about the dangers associated with the concept of tribalism at the expense of collective development of any given country across the world, as pointed out in the sad and shocking civil strife of Rwanda, where millions of human lives perished in the name of tribalism and the lessons learnt from it. This is an illustrated reality about human equality and the need to have collective interest over an individual or minority interest. It’s rather unfortunate to see and hear young people of even school going age engaged in issues meant to promote and instill the culture of tribalism either in themselves or their immediate friends and associates, which has no place as far as the space of ongoing development programs initiated and implemented by the Gambian leader, President Jammeh is concerned.

As the country heads to polls late this year, the message must be boldly spelt and clear to all citizenry, especially the youths about the need to have issues relating to tribalism to be step aside for the interest of achieving sustainable national development. We must all acknowledge and appreciate the underlining truth that no single individual determines as to what tribe he or she should belong at the time of birth, despite the fact associated with people adopting and changing tribes, religion and even origins in the course of their lives on earth. Anything associated with promoting tribal ideologies must be nibbed in the bud and chance given to the existence of peace, progress and prosperity stemed from a single creation of the almighty.

The existence of peace in the world must start from our hearts to the local, national and global level with stronger belief in our unique creation as one family. Anything contrary to this will pose a threat to either our individual or collective development. To this effect the use of language as a tool for development cannot be left out.

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