The Disappearing Tongue: Reviving Africa’s Fading Languages | Helena Namuli Kaggwa | TEDxUWCCR Youth скачать в хорошем качестве

The Disappearing Tongue: Reviving Africa’s Fading Languages | Helena Namuli Kaggwa | TEDxUWCCR Youth

This captivating talk shines a spotlight on Africa's endangered linguistic treasures, focusing on N|uu, the oldest indigenous language of Southern Africa. With only one fluent speaker remaining, this ancient language—steeped in over 20,000 years of history—is on the verge of extinction. Through heartfelt stories and thoughtful exploration, we’ll uncover how colonialism and forced assimilation silenced native tongues like N|uu, replacing them with colonizer languages at a devastating cultural cost. We’ll delve into the profound impact of losing a language: the erosion of identity, heritage, and an entire way of life. By amplifying the voices of endangered languages across Africa, this talk highlights the urgent need to challenge the lingering colonial mindset that devalues native tongues. From naming practices to education systems, we’ll explore how this mindset continues to shape modern African societies. I am Helena Namuli Kaggwa (she/her), 17, and a proud Ugandan whose journey from East Africa to international boarding schools, previously Kenya and now in Costa Rica has fueled my passion for African identity and advocating for education reform in Uganda. From an early age, my parents instilled in me the value of eloquence and passion–shaping my character and speech today. I am deeply committed to the decolonization of the African mind as I recognize its lasting impact still evident today, especially in Africa's tendency to confuse westernization for development. Proudly, I am known by my friends as a “passionate” speaker of my mother tongue language, Luganda. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx