Mauritania celebrated International Soninke Language Day on September 27, 2026, with a ceremony held at the National Museum in Nouakchott. The event was organized by the Mauritanian Association for the Coverage of Soninke Language and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament. The day was marked under the theme "From Oral to Written: Making Soninke a Language for Production, Learning, and Creativity in the 21st Century."
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Sidi Mohamed Khatri Jidou, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that celebrating the Soninke language is, in essence, celebrating Mauritania itself, with its rich past, shared present, and desired future. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to supporting national languages, ensuring each finds its rightful place in the national cultural landscape, promoting diversity, and fostering unity.
The President of the Mauritanian Association for the Coverage of Soninke Language and Culture, Ali Bbou Gandika, praised the government's policy of promoting national languages, initiated by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. He commended the efforts of the Prime Minister, Moktار Ould Aje, in implementing directives to elevate the status of these languages, which are crucial to the country's cultural heritage.
The Director-General of the Institute for the Promotion and Teaching of National Languages, Ambossita Jghana, highlighted the importance of developing national languages in enriching the country's shared linguistic heritage and building a society where linguistic diversity is a valuable resource. He called for providing means to enable new generations to master their languages while remaining open to other knowledge and perspectives.
The ceremony was attended by several cultural personalities and stakeholders interested in cultural and linguistic affairs. The event aimed to promote the Soninke language and culture, encouraging their use in various aspects of life, including education and creative expression.
The celebration of International Soninke Language Day reflects Mauritania's commitment to preserving and promoting its linguistic and cultural diversity. The government's efforts to support national languages are seen as essential to maintaining the country's rich cultural heritage and fostering national unity.
The International Soninke Language Day celebration in Mauritania underscores the significance of language in shaping identity and culture. It highlights the need for continued efforts to develop and promote national languages, ensuring their relevance and use in modern society.
Key points
- The celebration was held under the theme "From Oral to Written: Making Soninke a Language for Production, Learning, and Creativity in the 21st Century."
