Noam Chomsky once said, “Language is a weapon of politicians, but language is a weapon in much of human affairs.”. This quote highlights how language can be used to influence, persuade, and shape perceptions in various aspects of life, not just in politics.
Kenyan politicians have often weaponized language to manipulate public perception and maintain control. A striking example is the president’s recent rhetoric during the civil unrest in June and July. Initially, he condemned the youth who protested, labeling them as “treasonous criminals” to delegitimize their grievances and justify harsh crackdowns. However, in a swift and strategic shift, he began referring to the same youth as “sons and daughters” to project an image of paternal care and control to international observers. This duality in language underscores how politicians can exploit linguistic strategies to serve their interests, oscillating between vilification and endearment to maintain power and influence.
Language has indeed been a tool of disenfranchisement, creating barriers between generations. While older generations find solace and healing in their mother tongue, younger people often navigate education systems that prioritize foreign languages, distancing them from their cultural roots.
The recent move by the Kenyan education sector to make Kiswahili an optional subject in schools poses a significant challenge to intergenerational communication and unity. Kiswahili, a language that unites Kenyans, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the young and the old. Without a common language, teaching about important life transitions becomes difficult.
This is an opportune moment for teachers and community leaders to revive the tradition of storytelling on a large scale. Storytelling, a powerful tool for cultural transmission, can help convey wisdom and experiences across generations. By creating spaces where elders can share their stories in Kiswahili, we can foster understanding and connection, ensuring that valuable knowledge about transition periods and other life lessons is passed down effectively.
To bridge this gap, we can start by promoting intergenerational dialogue, and creating spaces where stories and wisdom can be shared. Encouraging young people to learn and use their mother tongue not only fosters a sense of identity and belonging but also strengthens community bonds. Additionally, leveraging technology to document and disseminate cultural knowledge can help preserve and revitalize languages, ensuring they remain a living part of our heritage.
Bridging relational gaps without a common language requires creative and intentional efforts to foster connection and understanding. One approach is to use non-verbal communication methods, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language, which can convey emotions and intentions effectively. Additionally, shared activities like cooking, gardening, or traditional crafts can create bonding experiences that transcend language barriers. Encouraging the use of storytelling through visual arts, music, and dance can also help bridge generational divides. Furthermore, leveraging technology, such as translation apps or creating bilingual family dictionaries, can facilitate basic communication and mutual learning. By prioritizing empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn from each other, we can build meaningful relationships despite linguistic differences.
In conclusion, the potential shift in the Kenyan education system to make Kiswahili optional underscores the urgent need to preserve our linguistic heritage. Kiswahili, along with other mother tongues, is vital for intergenerational communication and unity. By reviving the tradition of storytelling, we can bridge the gap between the young and the old, ensuring that valuable life lessons and cultural wisdom are passed down.
Let’s start telling stories in our mother tongues for the current and future generations, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and continuity in our communities. Together, we can keep our languages and traditions alive, enriching the lives of all Kenyans.
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