The following item relating to International Mother Language Day (today!) was seen on AllAfrica.com at http://allafrica.com/stories/200702210050.html ... DZO
South Africa: Language Expo Aims to Promote Mother Tongues BuaNews (Tshwane) http://www.gcis.gov.za/ February 20, 2007 Posted to the web February 21, 2007 Nozipho Dlamini The Gauteng branch of the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) and the National Library of South Africa are hosting a language expo in Pretoria to promote mother tongue languages in the province. The three-day expo at Sammy Marks Square aims to promote vernacular languages and revitalise the country's rich cultural heritage and diversity. The event, which concludes on Wednesday, aims to attract African language writers in the province, primary and high schools, educators as well as the Department of Arts and Culture. National Library spokesperson Kholu Sekhonyana says the expo is in recognition of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) International Mother Tongue Day celebrated annually on February 21. "Throughout the expo there will be exhibitions of language books from publishers and libraries, cultural performances from all over the province. "Languages are the most powerful instruments through which we can preserve and develop our tangible and intangible heritage," said Ms Sekhonyana. International Mother Tongue Day was introduced during UNESCO's 30th General Conference in 1999, in recognition of the sanctity and preservation of the world's vernacular languages. The day is observed to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism and to highlight that half of the 6 000 languages spoken across the world today are under threat. Ms Sekhonyana added that all moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues would serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the country There were also discussions during the expo where school children and their educators talked about language issues with guidance from Gauteng Provincial Language Committee members Meanwhile, an isiZulu Language Research and Development Centre will be launched at the University of Zululand on Wednesday by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Weziwe Thusi. The Research and Development Centre is a joint venture of the provincial department, the university and the national Department of Arts and Culture. It will concern itself with isiZulu literature, the development of terminology, creation of a Language Museum and community outreach programmes. The launch and celebration will be attended by UNESCO representatives, officials of the National Language Service and senior academic staff of the University. Copyright © 2007 BuaNews. All rights reserved. South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) **************************** Disclaimer ****************************** Copyright: In accordance with Title 17, United States Code Section 107, this material is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material posted to this list for purposes that go beyond "fair use," you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Content: The sender does not vouch for the veracity nor the accuracy of the contents of this message, which are the sole responsibility of the copyright owner. Also, the sender does not necessarily agree or disagree with any opinions that are expressed in this message. ********************************************************************** Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
