How do we even begin to sum up our mother language celebration? The result was beyond anything we could have ever imagined. People from various walks of life came together to celebrate their mother tongue, culture and heritage. The celebration grew from being merely a “Biblionef Event” to being a joyous occasion where everyone present could embrace where they came from and share stories about who they are. The main message that radiated throughout the entire three-day celebration was about how important it is to be proud of one’s mother tongue and embrace any differences that may exist between languages and people. Language, although vastly different, should not be a tool to keep people apart, instead, it should be used to bring people closer together. This message was repeated by the majority of the speakers throughout the three days including; Professor Ndebele (Biblionef’s Patron and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town), Bonnie Horbach (Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Cape Town) and Gcina Mhlophe (Acclaimed South African Storyteller, Author, Singer).
“I cannot tell you how overwhelmingly wonderful I found my experience of your lovely event. You really achieved something most special and I was proud to be able to witness and participate.” – Charlotte Ewins, Copycat Communications
Professor Ndebele spoke at length about the significance of speaking more than one language and in this way, allowing the opportunity of being able to connect with people in a way that you would normally not be able to. Similarly, Gcina Mhlophe shared her experience of being forced to learn to speak Sesotho but revelled in the fact that she could communicate with people in a language that they understood, and share in the celebration of their mother tongue. As our late president Nelson Mandela said; “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.” This message was relayed countless times with everyone agreeing in unison.
“Thank you again so much for all the events you organised this week – it was truly special. Well done to Biblionef once again for keeping the spirit of reading alive in South Africa!” – Julia Norish, Book Dash
Individuals also had the opportunity of taking a glimpse into various cultures and could express themselves in whichever language they were comfortable in. There were various stations set up which represented a particular language group or geographical area. Individuals were asked to come dressed in a way that represented their culture and to also bring along reading material and different foods that linked to their culture. Participants enjoyed doing poetry, plays, storytelling and singing in their mother tongue! Some of them even did a mini show and tell of their cultural foods and artefacts.
“Thank you so much for organizing this rich and fulfilling occasion. I was glad I was a part of it.” – Mpho Ndebele, retired professional social worker
In closing the three-day celebration, which coincided with International World Read Aloud Day, Biblionef launched two storybooks by Gcina Mhlophe titled, “Our Story Magic” and “Stories of Africa”. Biblionef received funds from the National Lotteries Commission and the National Arts Council to reprint the books in all eleven languages! And who better to speak about the books than the Author, Gcina Mhlophe! Learners from Thandokhulu High School in Mowbray, Cape Town attended the launch along with a few librarians from around Cape Town. Mrs. Mhlophe had the crowd hanging on to her every word as she told stories from the two titles in both English and isiZulu.
The saying; “A picture is worth a thousand words”, is apt at this point as no amount of writing will accurately sum up our mother language celebrations! Click here to take a look at a selection of pictures that best depicts the spirit of the three days. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to those who missed out, be sure to join us next year!
“…A HUGE thanks for the most wonderful celebration of International Mother Tongue Day. There were so many things that moved me yesterday; from the simplicity of the photographs of the children using your/our books, to the incredible words from the teachers who spoke about the number of children that had been inspired by Biblionef support and providing them books in their home language, to the actual number of children you have reached. Your influence extends far and wide and is indeed changing lives! I loved the ‘give back’ ‘pass it’ on request, I did not know you were doing this and this just promotes such a deep sense of community support within society.
Professor Ndebele spoke exceptionally well and the comments from the gentleman (the poet, Xolisa Tshongolo) who worked at the Department of Sports and Recreation about fighting to be able to write his thesis in Xhosa was equally inspirational. We have to find more stories written in the indigenous languages, we have to translate these into English!
We are so proud to have worked in partnership with Biblionef to make more and more titles available to children in their home language, thank you!” – Carol Broomhall, Publisher at Jacana Media