This is the second of 2 items from earlier this year that have to do with languages outside of Africa, but which may be of interest. This one is about Filipinos living abroad in Qatar who have a school which teaches Filipino language. It is from the Qatar paper, The Peninsula.
Promoting Filipino language Web posted at: 8/28/2008 4:19:6 http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=August2008&file=Local_News200808284196.xml DOHA Philippine School Doha (PSD) concluded its annual celebration of 'Buwan ng Wika' (National Language Month) yesterday with a showcase of indigenous Filipino dances, drama, and various musical and literary items aimed at recognising the significance of the Filipino language. The theme of the month-long celebration was 'Wika Mo, Wikang Filipino, Wika ng Mundo, Mahalaga!' (Your language, Filipino language, and language of the world are all important!). This year's theme is in consonance with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)'s declaration of 2008 as the International Year of Languages emphasising on multilingualism and linguistic diversity. "Languages are indeed essential to the identity of groups and individuals and to their peaceful coexistence. They constitute a strategic factor of progress towards sustainable development and a harmonious relationship between the global and the local context," UNESCO said. "Within the space of a few generations, more than 50 percent of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world may disappear. Less than a quarter of those languages are currently used in schools and in cyberspace, and most are used only sporadically," it said. "Celebrating the National Language Month lets people experience the essence of being a Filipino and appreciate Filipino culture and tradition," said Enrique H Salazar, teacher of Filipino language at PSD. He considers the national language an effective medium to express ideas and emotions that one wants to tell his countrymen." "A national language is important because it brings people together," said Justine Marra Marcial, a high school student, underscoring the indispensable role language has played in history. "National language is a means to a more active communication, brings out the uniqueness of a people, and unifies them," said Jameela Joy Reyes, another high school student. The Philippines ranks 10th in the world in linguistic diversity with over 150 languages. Most Filipinos can speak three or four languages, including a regional language, the Filipino language and English. Maintaining the national language being in a foreign country where several other languages exist is, therefore, a daunting challenge that Filipino students overseas including those in Qatar face. "School is the best venue for preserving national language. It is an instrument in promoting and strengthening Filipino language. Parents as well help out having students speak Filipino language at home," said Alexander S Acosta, PSD School Principal. "Observing National Language Month is very important because it reminds us that wherever we go, we are Filipinos. It is very important for Filipinos living away from the mother country to be reminded of their identity," Acosta added. © 2001 The Peninsula. All Rights Reserved. **************************** 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/
