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This posting includes their appeal and a link that provides some background on Fijian, Fiji Hindi and Urdu, with a selection of commonly used words and phrases from each language.
The appeal is consistent with the principles of Pillar 2 (Nation Building) of the People's Charter. Click here for a link to Pillar 2.
The appeal is consistent with the principles of Pillar 2 (Nation Building) of the People's Charter. Click here for a link to Pillar 2.
The CCF Media Release
Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) calls on the government not to declare one particular language as the national language for Fiji, as this would be detrimental to Fiji’s image as a multicultural nation with diverse identities.
Many countries in the world have several official languages, such as: Switzerland, Belgium, Bolivia, Burundi, Djibouti, Norway, Kenya and Ireland. These countries have a national identity, without having had the need for a national language.
“Although CCF supports the recent move by the government to name all Fiji citizens as ‘Fijians’, we maintain that the three languages – Fijian, English and Hindi – remain as national languages,” CCF Chief Executive Officer Reverend Akuila Yabaki said. “We call on the government to respect multiculturalism and diversity. Fiji needs to retain its identity as a multiracial nation with diverse groups and languages.”
“The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs should not impose the vernacular iTaukei as the national language for Fiji, as this would be insensitive to other ethnic groups who speak other languages as their mother tongue,” Rev Yabaki said.
“Having three national languages has been good for Fiji, as it has encouraged sharing of words and phrases, as well as music, arts, cultural and religious events from different racial groups,” Rev Yabaki said.
(CCF) calls on the government not to declare one particular language as the national language for Fiji, as this would be detrimental to Fiji’s image as a multicultural nation with diverse identities.
Many countries in the world have several official languages, such as: Switzerland, Belgium, Bolivia, Burundi, Djibouti, Norway, Kenya and Ireland. These countries have a national identity, without having had the need for a national language.
“Although CCF supports the recent move by the government to name all Fiji citizens as ‘Fijians’, we maintain that the three languages – Fijian, English and Hindi – remain as national languages,” CCF Chief Executive Officer Reverend Akuila Yabaki said. “We call on the government to respect multiculturalism and diversity. Fiji needs to retain its identity as a multiracial nation with diverse groups and languages.”
“The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs should not impose the vernacular iTaukei as the national language for Fiji, as this would be insensitive to other ethnic groups who speak other languages as their mother tongue,” Rev Yabaki said.
“Having three national languages has been good for Fiji, as it has encouraged sharing of words and phrases, as well as music, arts, cultural and religious events from different racial groups,” Rev Yabaki said.
The Link to background information on Fijian, Fiji Hindi and Urdu, with a selection of commonly used words and phrases. http://fijiguide.com/page/the-language
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