Why it’s important to learn our heritage language: The perspective of a linguistics academic
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart” (Nelson Mandela). l totally concur with this statement as I believe Mandela was referring to one’s native language, a heritage artefact that appeals to the core of our identity. As a linguist and language acquisition specialist l have observed over time, through research, the value of possessing and using one’s native language. It is my view that we all need that experience of understanding from the heart because it will help keep our family and cultural values intact.
I have learnt that our native language is a social tool that carries unique power which enables us to socialise and express belonging in various spaces. It defines personal and cultural identity by linking each speaker to their origins. I believe this identity emerges out of a person’s understanding of themselves and their history. However in the case of Zimbabweans in the diaspora, acquisition of our native languages, Shona and Ndebele, has been affected because of minimal exposure due to the dominance of the mainstream language - English. This is why in diasporic contexts, we now refer to these native languages as heritage languages. However, in spite of being in the diaspora, we can still maintain Shona and Ndebele through language maintenance programs. These are planned language learning activities that promote the use of our languages - programs such as those offered by LangDentity. Through language maintenance programs, we can together rectify this imbalance in the language repertoire of the future generations in the diaspora.
One fascinating and tricky aspect of language is that it is not genetically transmitted but rather, a culturally transmitted artefact. This simply means that for one to acquire a certain language they are supposed to be exposed to an environment in which the language is spoken “…. and not from parental genes” (Yule, 2017:15.) In Shona we say ‘Kuziva mbuya huudzwa’ (For one to know their grandmother, someone must tell/show them the grandmother). In the case of language, it is obvious that children born and raised outside the Shona/Ndebele speaking environments will not find it easy to acquire the languages without exposure to them. It is, however, apparent from the changing dynamics in terms of global migration, that these children are most likely going to acquire the mainstream language to which they are exposed. In other words we are talking of a native language and culture loss process, something that is not favourable, of course. It is for this reason that we need to equip children in the diaspora with their heritage languages, an intangible heritage which is part of what develops the connection with family, society, culture, and identity.
As linguists, we understand the process of language acquisition and maintenance, which is why we are set to help Shona and Ndebele diasporic children learn their languages and sustain their identity and culture. I believe that the gap that has been created by migration can be narrowed through language maintenance where communities in the diaspora and their government authorities work together to equip the future generations with their native language heritage. This is what Dr Thembi Dube addresses in the next section when she talks about weekend community schools. To complement planned language classes, we can speak to our children in Shona/Ndebele as they engage in daily core activities, encourage reading of materials in these languages, watch and/or listen to Shona/Ndebele programs together and even create family whatsapp groups where we communicate in these languages - just to mention a few examples. The point I am making here is that, if we do not use our languages, we will lose them!
I also strongly believe that the knowledge of one’s native language is a matter of pride. It enhances one’s confidence and creates awareness in the individual’s mind while also helping them connect with their cultural identity in a better manner. Thus, the best way to fully recognise a culture is to know the language. Learning heritage languages benefits us to stay connected and associated with our culture and our roots. Dr Oliver Mtukudzi wraps it all in the song ‘Dada nerudzi rwako!’ (Be proud of who you are). LangDentity is here to inculcate the pride of identity and culture because we understand the close link between language and culture and that language is one of the greatest significant ways of keeping our culture alive. We know that our Shona and Ndebele languages are fossils that carry ethnic and regional culture. That is why we are determined to equip the diasporic Zimbabwe generations with a sense of belonging through the use of Shona and Ndebele. I therefore call on you to embrace this priceless, lifetime heritage and take action to learn and maintain our chiShona and isiNdebele. Dadai nerudzi rwenyu!
“A native language is a priceless heritage that equips us to socialise in various spaces,it is part of what develops the connection with family, society, culture, and identity. It is a true source of pride-Dada nerudzi rwako!”
