Namibia must embrace its indigenous languages for unity, identity and justice

At the heart of every nation lies its language. It shapes how people think, relate to one another and understand the world around them.In Namibia, a land blessed with rich linguistic and cultural diversity, our languages are fading into silence, not because they are unworthy, but because our systems continue to elevate the colonial tongue above our own.It is time for Namibia to radically reimagine its language policy. We must embrace and institutionalise our indigenous languages, not just as national symbols, but as living and functional tools of communication in governance, education and public life.Each region should be allowed to use its native language as an official medium for public communication and services. This will not only protect our languages from extinction but also strengthen cultural identity, inclusivity and community participation.Currently, English is the sole official language in Namibia. While it was introduced with the intention of creating a neutral ground post-independence, it has instead become a barrier between the government and the people.The continued use of English in all formal settings creates a situation where citizens are spoken over, rather than spoken to.A recent example of this is when the newly appointed Ohangwena regional governor, Kadiva Hamutumwa, addressed her community for the first time in English.This happened despite the fact that nearly the entire audience were native speakers of Oshiwambo.Instances like these demonstrate a disconnection that must be addressed. When leaders do not communicate in the language of the people, they risk alienating the very communities they are meant to serve.Meaningful participation through language This issue speaks directly to the ideas of Kenyan writer and theorist Ngugi wa Thiong’o. In his work 'Decolonising the Mind', he argues that the dominance of a colonial language is not simply practical, it is an act of cultural domination.Language carries the history, identity and worldview of a people. When a state elevates one language above all others, particularly one inherited from colonial rule, it sends a message that our own languages and identities are inferior.Namibia can adopt a regional multilingual approach that allows each region to conduct public communication in the language most commonly spoken by its residents. This does not mean abandoning English entirely, but rather creating a system where indigenous languages are equally respected and actively used.This model would ensure that people can access services, understand public information and participate meaningfully in national life.Languages carry the collective memory of a people. They hold oral traditions, cultural expressions, wisdom and community knowledge. If we allow them to fade, we lose far more than vocabulary. We lose identity, dignity and the ability to fully tell our own stories.Linguistic diversity and inclusion It is unfortunate that while many Africans invest heavily in learning foreign languages such as German, French and Chinese, there is little effort by foreigners to learn African languages.This imbalance reveals a lingering inferiority complex that must be confronted. Mastery of a foreign language should never be viewed as a replacement for pride in one’s mother tongue.Our children should be learning to read and write in their own languages from an early age. Government officials should address communities in the languages most widely spoken in those areas.Our national media should reflect and promote the full linguistic diversity of the country. Only then can we truly say that our nation is built on inclusion and dignity.Embracing indigenous languages is not a rejection of progress. It is a recognition of who we are and where we come from. It is a commitment to a future where all Namibians, regardless of region or background, can participate, understand, and belong.The time has come for Namibia to stop marginalising its own voices. By speaking our own languages, we reclaim our power, our identity, and our unity.*Ndaindila Allexer Namundjebo is a language expert with a bachelor’s degree in English and linguistics from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). He is currently pursuing his honours degree in the same field. He has experience in the media industry and teaching and serves as lead consultant at Inclusive Consultants (Pty) Ltd. He can be reached at nanamundjembo@gmail.com. Views expressed in the article are his and not those of his employers.

Namibia must embrace its indigenous languages for unity, identity and justice

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-03

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Namibia must embrace its indigenous languages for unity, identity and justice

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-03

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