Africa-Press – Senegal. Only a quarter of the 365 titles accompanied by the book management were published in national languages in 2021, said Thursday in Thiès, the director of the book, Ibrahima Lô.
« Statistics from two years ago showed that of the 365 titles that the Book Department had supported, about a quarter were published in national languages, whether in Wolof, Pulaar, or Sereer. « , Mr. Lô said.
He was challenged on the issue by journalists on the sidelines of the official ceremony to launch World Book and Copyright Day, which was held at the National Institute for Education and Training of Blind Youth ( INEFJA) from Thiès. The 2023 edition of the celebration of the book on April 23 each year, instituted by UNESCO, focused on the theme of indigenous languages.
« When we evaluate it on the scale of national editorial production, we can say that it is not enough », he commented, considering that there are efforts to be made both from the part of the authorities than that of the authors in national languages.
For him, these statistics are the result of “shared responsibilities”. Most authors in national languages are “unaware of the mechanism” offered by the publishing aid fund, which is 750 million FCFA per year.
“Awareness-raising and communication efforts” could help improve these statistics, he believes, noting the importance that the public authorities attach to publishing in local languages, by supporting associations that are active in this domain.
« It is essential to give the interest which is rightfully theirs to national languages », which are « a part of ourselves, our heritage and our identity », said Ibrahima Lô.
For him, no development is possible « by ignoring two thirds of speakers who do not work in French », the official language. “Countries that are emerging today are teaching, training and educating in their language,” he said.
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