Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Cape Verdean researcher defended today, in Praia, the urgency of the full official recognition of the Cape Verdean language, appealing for consensus among political parties, parliamentary groups, and deputies for the formal recognition of this language as cultural heritage and national identity.
Marciano Moreira, speaking to Inforpress on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, celebrated on February 21st, emphasized the need to raise awareness among political actors about the importance of the full official recognition of Cape Verdean Creole.
The event was established in 1999 by UNESCO with the aim of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism globally.
According to Marciano Moreira, identity is a “fundamental” element that distinguishes peoples and nations, arguing that postponing the full official recognition of the Cape Verdean language also represents a postponement of the affirmation of identity, linguistic freedom, and national dignity.
“Creole is an official language under construction, but still without parity,” he said, highlighting that the language not only unites Cape Verdeans residing on the islands, but also the diaspora, reinforcing cultural and identity ties.
The researcher also warned that about 40% of children in the world are not taught in their mother tongues, considering that Cape Verde is not immune to this reality, which he classified as an “irrational and harmful” situation, especially in the teaching-learning process.
He therefore argued that teaching the mother tongue is an essential step for school success and for learning other languages, appealing for the appreciation and promotion of equality between the Cape Verdean language and the Portuguese language.
For Marciano Moreira, the percentage of the population in favor of officialization is increasing, which, in his view, demonstrates a growing awareness of the importance of freedom, dignity, and linguistic identity.
International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21st around the world, encouraging UNESCO member states to reflect on the preservation and appreciation of their linguistic and cultural particularities.
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