CREI Holds 17th In-Campus Seminar
Ethiopian Civil Service University, Center for Research in Ethics and Integrity (CREI) held its 17th in-campus Seminar on November 4, 2021, at Abay Hall. The seminar was held under the theme of “Linguistic Pluralism and Nation-Building in Ethiopia”
The speaker in the seminar, Professor Zelalem Liyew, from Addis Ababa University, explained the relation and interconnection of multilingualism and nation-building. According to him, language is a means of communication consisting symbolic, unifying as well as separating function. Linguistic pluralism has effects on language choices, inter-ethnic communication, education, administration and court, mass Media, language planning and language policies. Being multilingual society or linguistic heterogeneity is an opportunity and it is not a problem by itself and causes conflict unless it is mismanaged. If it is not well-handled, it jeopardizes nation-building.
‘‘There are enormous language related issues to be addressed where ethnic identity is stronger than national identity. It is also important to recognize and validate languages and how language should be developed.’’ The attitudes towards a variety of languages color and the way that one can see the individuals is the problem of many African countries including Ethiopia .So it is critical to get out of such attitude of considering ones language is better and superior than others, Professor Zelalem noted. Regarding the relation between language and identity, he noted that language and identity have strong link but they do not be considered as inseparable identities like that of human and biological identity.
Professor Zelalem also pointed out the importance of working on language planning and language policies by paying a due attention to language related issues without being emotional and rushing to act to change the status of languages.
He also recommended accepting the reality of being multilingual society and focusing on the similarities of languages rather than the differences, encouraging bilingualism and multilingualism and being open to share the experiences of multilingual countries and learn from their success. He also gave detailed explanations for issues raised by participants in connection to the language and nation building.
Professor Zelalem is a well-known linguist with ample academic and administration experiences, researcher and author in the field of linguistics. In his professional life, he has received different prestigious awards from different international institutions.
Finally, Dr. Mulugeta Worku , Director for Center for Research in Ethics and Integrity handed over a certificate of appreciation to him .
Source: Ethiopian Civil Service University