Preserving cultural heritage

Embracing identity through language and history
Passing down native languages through generations allows communities to preserve their cultural roots, Professor Niklaas Fredericks said.
Mariud Ngula
  • 3 Months Ago
Culture is like a roadmap that guides us through life, shaping our values, norms and how we see the world. But have you ever wondered how language plays a role in keeping our cultural identity alive?

According to Professor Niklaas Fredericks, the head of the department of communication and languages at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), language is much more than just words. It's the vessel carrying our traditions, beliefs and history. “When we pass down our native languages through generations, we're essentially preserving our cultural roots,” he said.

Fredericks highlighted that misunderstandings often arise when culture is seen solely through the lens of tradition, forgetting lived culture - the way we live and express our heritage every day. He emphasised using local languages in daily life as a cornerstone of cultural preservation.

Shaping cultural parenting

Serenah Nkunkumo of the University of Namibia (Unam) History Society in Katima Mulilo underscored how conflicts like Namibia’s liberation struggle shaped the dynamics of culture.

She said parents striving to maintain tradition in a rapidly changing society ought to cultivate resilience, as it is key.

“By integrating ethnic holidays, oral storytelling and customary rites into family life, parents can bridge the gap between the past and the present, fostering cultural pride,” Nkunkumo said.

Frans Ndara, the president of the Unam History Society, draws attention to pivotal figures and events in Namibia's history as inspirational models for cultural parenting.

He said leaders like Sam Nujoma, who were dedicated to Namibia's liberation, exemplify the values of independence and self-awareness. “Similarly, historical events like the Nama and Herero genocide of 1904 to 1908 highlight the resilience of these communities, teaching empathy and cultural preservation.”

Cultural preservation through education

Ndara added that upholding cultural heritage requires collaboration between educational institutions and parents. Community-driven knowledge can be shared through public lectures and cultural activities, he said.

“For instance, events like the Unam Cultural Festival serve as platforms where diverse communities come together, sharing their cultural dynamics by the fireside. These initiatives not only preserve culture, but also foster understanding and acceptance among different cultural groups.”

In essence, preserving cultural heritage isn't about freezing traditions in time - it's about weaving them into our daily lives. When we actively engage with our cultural heritage, we pave the way for a future where diversity is cherished, empathy is cultivated, and pride in our identity illuminates the path ahead.

OUR CULTURE, OUR PRIDE: People’s Primary School learners wear traditional attire to meet Nigel Short, an English chess grandmaster.