The Soninke community in France is celebrating its language and culture with various events, including the Village Soninke in Saint-Denis, organized by the Association for the Promotion of the Soninke Language and Culture (APS). The event, which is part of the International Day of the Soninke Language, aims to promote the community's rich cultural heritage. The APS's second vice-president, Maro Sy, recently discussed the event on Africa Radio.
The International Day of the Soninke Language, celebrated on September 25, was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2023, recognizing the importance of the Soninke language and culture. The APS has been working to promote the language and culture, and the Village Soninke is one of the events organized to achieve this goal. The event features various activities, including a marriage ceremony, ballets, and exhibitions showcasing Soninke products.
The Soninke people have a rich cultural heritage, with their origins dating back to the ancient Empire of Wagadou. According to legend, the empire's history is reflected in the story of the Bida, a serpent that was said to have brought wealth and prosperity to the empire. The community claims a strong connection to the empire, which was a powerful and influential state in West Africa.
The Village Soninke also highlights the importance of traditional crafts, such as cordwaining and metalwork. Cordonniers, or shoemakers, play a significant role in the community, creating traditional shoes and other leather goods. The event features an exhibition showcasing the skills of local cordonniers, as well as other artisans.
The Soninke community has a long history of migration, with many members having moved to various countries in West Africa and Europe. Historians have studied the migration patterns of the Soninke people, which date back to the ancient Empire of Ghana. The community has maintained its cultural heritage despite these migrations, and the Village Soninke aims to promote this heritage.
The transmission of the Soninke language is an important aspect of the community's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. The APS has been working to promote the language, which is now recognized by UNESCO. The community is also working on a project to introduce the Soninke language as an option in the baccalaureate exam.
The Village Soninke aims to promote the Soninke language and culture, particularly among young people. The event features various activities, including exhibitions, performances, and workshops. The community hopes that the event will help to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting linguistic diversity.
Key points
- The Soninke community in France is celebrating its language and culture with various events, including the Village Soninke in Saint-Denis.
- The International Day of the Soninke Language was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2023, recognizing the importance of the Soninke language and culture.
- The Soninke people have a rich cultural heritage, with their origins dating back to the ancient Empire of Wagadou.
