PACCL Executive Director Leads Push for Indigenous Language Reform in The Gambia

Meeting with key stakeholders outlines bold steps to integrate national languages into education, technology, and governance. By JarraNews Staff Writer Senegambia | July 29, 2025 The Executive Director of the Pan-African Centre for Cultures and Languages (PACCL), Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, has unveiled a sweeping strategy to revitalise indigenous languages in The Gambia, positioning them at the core of education and national development. During a high-level meeting held on July 27 at the Seafood Restaurant in Senegambia, Dr. Dampha met with national language stakeholders to outline PACCL’s vision for language preservation and promotion through institutional reform, digital innovation, and public awareness.

Reclaiming Linguistic Identity Dr. Dampha began by challenging The Gambia’s dependency on foreign languages in education and governance, calling it a "structural imbalance" that hinders authentic development. > “True progress requires that we value and elevate our national languages. They are not just modes of communication, but carriers of identity, culture, and cognitive power,” he stated. He proposed several key reforms: Use of national languages as the medium of instruction in early childhood and primary education. Production of culturally relevant teaching materials in Mandinka, Wolof, Fulfulde, Sarahuleh, and Jola. Public campaigns to normalise indigenous language use in all aspects of life—from classrooms to commerce. New Structures for Language Development The meeting endorsed the formation of National Language Committees to standardise orthographies, develop curricula, and influence policy. These committees will consist of educators, linguists, native speakers, and cultural leaders, with mandates aligned to regional language bodies like ACALAN and the Kiswahili Council. Mr. Kitabu Jabang, Head of National Languages, shared insights from his work in Mandinka instruction, highlighting the growing demand for accessible and standardised learning resources, especially among youth and diaspora communities. Tech-Driven Solutions Among the most innovative proposals was the introduction of “Gambian Language Boxes”—modular learning kits combining printed materials and digital content such as mobile-accessible audio stories, grammar tools, and interactive games. Dr. Dampha also laid out a digital roadmap, calling for: An online repository for indigenous language resources. Mobile apps and e-learning platforms targeting rural and diaspora learners. AI-powered tools for transcription and translation to accelerate language documentation. However, he acknowledged that limited ICT infrastructure and technical capacity remain challenges to implementation. Next Steps The meeting concluded with key action points: A follow-up workshop to prioritise materials for digitisation. Government engagement to embed national languages into school curricula. Formation of a working group to develop a pilot digital platform, including Mr. Jabang, Mrs. Kodu Jeng, Mr. Kawsu Njie, Mr. Mamudu Tarawally, and PACCL’s language technology team. Proposals will also be developed to attract international partners and funding for these initiatives. A Turning Point The meeting marks a critical juncture in The Gambia’s approach to language and identity. By blending tradition with technology and policy reform, PACCL is setting the stage for a more inclusive and culturally grounded future. > “Revitalising our languages is not just a cultural duty—it is a strategic imperative for national development,” Dr. Dampha affirmed. For more updates, follow [JarraNews] and PACCL’s upcoming announcements.