CAPE TOWN – Cape Town residents have been encouraged to engage with the City of Cape Town in their mother language. This as the country marks Language Activism Month this February, with International Mother Language Day celebrated on Saturday 21 February.
In a statement issued on Monday this week the City said it played a crucial role in promoting the use of mother languages, and that it gives residents the opportunity to be served in the language of their choice. In so doing we enable every citizen to engage the City meaningfully and participate in municipal processes, it said.
“There are many sayings that are uniquely Capetonian, and as we interact and get to know one another we also learn a little about one another’s language and culture,” said Theresa Uys, Mayco member for Corporate Services. “During this week we are giving participating employees and residents the opportunity to submit sayings and words they have learnt from their colleague to the City’s Language Services Unit (LSU) and also explain what it means. They can also submit videos.
“The unit will collate the material during the week and post it on a digital wall for all to see. We are hoping for colourful and interactive engagement.”
The words and videos can be sent to interpreting.services@capetown.gov.za
“Apart from being fun and inclusive, this activity also intends to remind us of our rich diversity and beauty of our indigenous languages,” Uys said. “Although many of us do not speak more than two languages, we do, over time, get to understand certain words and sayings, and can greet each other in the other person’s mother language.
“This builds inclusivity and mutual respect and understanding.
“I am very excited to see the words, sayings, and idioms to appear on the virtual wall over the next few days.”
The City’s language policy was approved by council on 18 November 2021 and was available on the City’s website in the three official languages – English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans – in line with the Provincial Languages Act of 1998. In 2023 the constitution was amended to include sign language as one of the country’s national official languages.
“I want to remind the public that any person may use any of the Western Cape’s three official languages, when communicating with the City,” Uys said. “This is to promote equal access to information and participation, and to promote multilingualism.
“Any person may request that an engagement happens in their preferred language, and for the content to be translated.”
