Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the celebrated writer is in the country on a tour to promote use of local languages. The professor of English and comparative literature in the United States was at Maseno University to launch Somo Ber, a book in Dholuo published by East African Educational Publishers (EAEP). The book, written by Norbert Oluoch, George Ombetu and Chrispine Ogola, is meant for use by Standard One learners. Ngugi proposed that the inclusion of indigenous languages in schools would improve the quality of education.
In his book Decolonising the Mind, the author advocates the preservation of local languages, saying imperialists used their languages to succeed in their push to colonise Africa by “killing” the local dialects.While addressing the packed Millennium Hall, Prof Ngugi used metaphors to explain to the audience of his resolve to promote local languages in the country, but was quick to point out that he is not against foreign languages. “County governments must put resources behind African languages; let it not just be talk that we support our language but we give priority to foreign languages. If we support our local languages, we will create new people who will conquer the world,” he said.
The book has three chapters with content on listening, speaking and writing. It will also take learners through oral skills. “The book is unique in that it gives a pupil the opportunity to relate with what he or she learns in class to his or her environment,” said Mr Ogola. Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o believes people who have mastered foreign languages, but are not conversant with that of their ethnic group, are enslaved.