In this year’s Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week, the theme 'Lukautim, strongim na kirapim tokples na pasin blo tubuna' – meaning 'Preserve, revitalise, and promote our language and culture' – reminds us of the deep connection between language, heritage, and sustainability. The words resonate with the overarching Language Week Series theme of ‘Sustainability’ for 2024, highlighting the resilience and beauty of the Papua New Guinea Pidgin language, which serves as a living thread linking generations.
For Simon, Papua New Guinea holds a special place in his heart. He had the privilege of visiting the country when both it - and he - were only five years old. At that time, he wasn’t able to fully appreciate the diverse and vibrant culture that surrounded him, but it planted a seed – a curiosity about language and the stories it holds. Returning to this memory, Simon sees Papua New Guinea’s linguistic diversity as a source of pride and strength, not only for the people of PNG but for the entire Pacific region.
Why Pidgin Matters
Papua New Guinea is home to over 800 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places on the planet. Pidgin (Tok Pisin) serves as a unifying language across these cultural lines, enabling shared understanding while honoring unique local identities. This language week is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder to actively 'lukautim,' or look after, these languages, as they are key to our past, present, and future.
A Call to 'Strongim' the Language
When we speak, sing, or teach in Tok Pisin, we’re revitalizing a language that has carried the wisdom and values of countless ancestors. But sustainability goes beyond preservation—it’s about empowerment. Strengthening Tok Pisin means equipping the next generation with the tools to keep their language alive, to tell their stories, and to honor the wisdom of their forebears. This theme resonates with PEP's mission: to sustain the languages and cultural practices that ground our communities, creating a ripple of strength, confidence, and resilience.
'Kirapim': Promoting and Celebrating Tok Pisin Together
This Language Week, let’s celebrate and uplift the beauty of Tok Pisin. Whether you’re from Papua New Guinea, a descendant, or an ally, you can support this movement to ‘kirapim’ or promote Tok Pisin, sparking conversations about heritage and identity.
In celebrating Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week, we take part in a shared Pacific journey – preserving, strengthening, and promoting not only language but a spirit of sustainability. Language is our past, present, and future, and together, we hold the power to ensure it thrives for generations to come.
Photo by Asso Myron on Unsplash
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