Innovation in Language Learning
Enhancement of Zambian Languages
Wilfred Chiboola, International of Museums (Zambia)
Abstract
My country Zambia is 752,618 Km with a population of about 14.3 million people, composed of 8 regional languages translating to 72 overall small languages. Most of Zambian learners both young and old do not necessarily live in their places of origin but elsewhere within the country.
The concept of ICT for language learning in Zambia would do very well since tutorials in people’s own language would be sent online to various learners across the country. This imitative would enhance tribal identity and knowledge of own cultural heritage.
This paper therefore looks at the various advantages which accrue when learners are schooled in their own languages along side the official language, in terms of cultural and indigenous knowledge aspects. Language helps develop personality traits, which in view of this paper are an individual's typical responses to surrounding domestic, cultural, or educational circumstance. In this sense, languages also help develop character, which is a combination of traits, qualities and abilities that make up what sort of a person an individual is. Therefore, a major key to dismantling inferioty complex among certain minority tribes is to know one's history through oral history in their spoken language. Through the written and oral history of one's tribe in own language, people are able to appreciate their rich historical background and may therefore be able to identify themselves with the past ahievements of their ancestors.
Languages if used effectively through ICT can be an effective tool of self awarence and identity, and can propel people to meet developmental aspects that meets their aspirations.
Key words
Cultural Heritage, Indigenous Knowledge, Identity Enhancement, Own Language.
