BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) marked the annual Mother Tongue Culture Day at Phonjwane High School on February 23rd.
The event was a celebration of the country’s languages and culture, and was attended by a number of important dignitaries.
This was a remarkable achievement made possible by the joint efforts of several key organisations, including UNESCO, the Eswatini National Trust Commission, the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, the Eswatini National Archives, and Umsebe Publishers. These organizations came together to make this event a success and to celebrate the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Eswatini.
Mother tongue refers to the language a person learns from birth and speaks at home. It is often the first language someone speaks and is deeply tied to cultural identity and heritage. Mother tongue is more than just a way of communicating; it is a means of connecting to one’s culture and traditions, as well as to one’s ancestors and history. Through the use of mother tongue, cultural values, expressions, and traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
According to the participants, the event was a celebration of the richness of the SiSwati language and culture, and it helped to foster appreciation and understanding through cultural activities. These activities allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, values, and expressions that make up Swati culture. Through this celebration, the participants felt that they had honored their heritage and strengthened their bonds as a community.
