The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) is currently hosting the Khoe and San National Language Indaba, which serves as an integral component of the institution’s initiatives to revitalize endangered indigenous languages, as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, 2022 – 2032 as declared by UNESCO. The virtual Indaba has brought together various stakeholders, including Khoe and San traditional leaders, communities, academics, students, and language experts.
During the Indaba, Mr. Lance Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of PanSALB, emphasized the importance of reflecting 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. He stressed the need to develop a roadmap to promote respect for these languages and identified areas requiring revitalization, including the incorporation of research reports and the implementation of additional support mechanisms for moribund languages.
The overarching recommendations arising from the Khoe and San Language Report for sustainable language development and preservation include the development of comprehensive language revitalization 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.
PanSALB has urged all spheres of government to take positive measures in response to these recommendations and stands ready to support and collaborate with all stakeholders involved.
