Indigenous languages takes the spotlight on World Book Day 2023

Sunday marked World Book and Copyright Day, and this day, which is celebrated annually on the 23^rd of April, recognises the importance of books and authors, and to encourage everyone to read books.

PICTURE: Bush Radio's Mitchum George reading a children's book

Several prominent authors like William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died on this day, so it is only fitting to commemorate this day.

The theme for 2023 is ‘’Indigenous Languages!’’ According to UNESCO, of the almost 7 000 existing languages – many of which are fast disappearing – the majority are spoken by indigenous people who represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, said libraries are there to use any opportunity to cultivate, and encourage a love for reading and books.

‘’ Books give flight to our imagination and makes the ordinary a magical experience. They inform, enlighten, enthral and help us understand and live our history and culture. World Book Day celebrates all of this and this year encourages everyone to embrace all that books do.’’

‘’It is our duty as adults to encourage a love for reading and there is no better way than to lead by example. A passion for reading starts with hearing stories being told. We cannot expect our children to enjoy reading when parents and other adults do not set them on a book journey. It is never too early to start reading to a child and to give them the lifelong gift of a love of books,’’ added Patricia van der Ross, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier said his department has set aside R96 million to increase the amount of reading material in the province’s schools

‘’ We are currently rolling out a massive intervention to improve reading for meaning, which includes providing new decodable readers and anthologies for the Foundation Phase to our primary schools. The R96 million investment, which forms part of the Western Cape Reading Strategy, covers three languages, and will substantially increase the amount of reading material in our schools.

‘’But raising literacy levels requires a joint effort by government, researchers, civil society, and all the residents of our province: a collective effort we call Team READ. Parents play an especially important role in improving their children’s reading skills. So I encourage every parent – particularly those with young children – to read a book with their child today. A love of reading is a priceless gift, and the earlier our learners develop this valuable skill, the better!’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George