By Tabora Bojang
The Gambia will join Soninke (Sarahule) communities around the world to mark International Soninke Language Day on September 25.
The day is celebrated each year to honour and preserve the Soninke language and culture across the world following its adoption and proclamation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in 2023.
Addressing a press conference on the event Monday, the president of the national Sarahule body, Sumpoo Do Khati youth committee, Sheriff Marie Tambadou, said the importance of the day can be traced not only in the preservation of the Soninke language and culture, but also, in the role played by language and communication in the development of a people and communities.
In The Gambia, this year, celebrations will be held in Basse where a majority of the Soninke population live.
The theme is: “From Oral to Written: Making Soninke a Language of Production, Learning and Creation in the 21st Century.”
The day will be marked with community events, symposiums, exhibitions and cultural expositions.
“Many Soninkes and the public will travel to and converge in Basse to hold meetings, talks and a symposium; showcase our Soninke food, traditions and culture,” Tambadou said.
He added that as in the past two editions, a delegation from The Gambia will travel to Paris, France to join other Soninkes from different parts of the world to celebrate and commemorate this historical day.
According to Tambadou, also a respected lawyer, the celebration and event in Paris carries a special meaning for the Soninkes in The Gambia as it will be celebrated under the distinguished patronage of Abubakary Jawara, a well-known Soninke businessman and philanthropist, as the Patron and guest of honour.
He explained that the Soninke language is the second African Language accorded a recognised day by Unesco alongside Kiswahili. “We invite all the Soninke and people in The Gambia and around the world, to join us and celebrate this day with us,” he said.
Other speakers including Billay G Tunkara, the majority leader of the National Assembly and committee member as well as Yusuf Tunkara reiterated the significance of the day in showcasing the significant role of the Soninke language in the World and towards promoting peace and development across all sectors.