Sociologist Ellison Tjirera on importance of local languages

[PODCAST]

Yesterday in parliament, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda broke new ground by posing his questions in Oshindonga, with his colleague Vaino Hangula providing the English translation. While parliamentary rules allow the use of vernacular languages when translation arrangements are in place, it is rare to see them actually used on the floor. This moment has sparked debate about the value of local languages in Namibia’s highest decision-making spaces.

To unpack this, sociologist Ellison Tjirera speaks to Desert FM.