One of the ideas of International Mother Language Day is to advocate for Creolese to be accepted internationally as well as in Guyana. Over the course of the event, people shared their experiences of speaking their native tongues or Creolese, and of being rejected or asked to speak appropriate English.
People from various Amerindian tribes participated in the program as interpreters, speaking in their native tongues, translating their words into English, and pleading with Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed to help spread awareness of their languages through literature, various media, and even being introduced in the university.
The Vice Chancellor answered by stating that what they are asking of her is quite significant and is not something that she can achieve overnight but which will happen in due time and has already begun. I had never heard of even one Amerindian native language, much less so many, so attending this event was simply fascinating.
This blog was written as part of an assignment for Use of English, a module within the Department of Foundation and Education Management at the University of Guyana.
The Guyanese Languages Unit 