PENAMPANG:The Kadazan Flash Cards application’s third volume was launched yesterday to commemorate International Mother Language Day 2024.
The launch was conducted online by Penampang Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick, at J Borneo Lok Kawi.
In his address, Ewon, who also serves as the Minister of Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperative (MEDC), emphasized the importance of honoring mother tongues on a global platform and promoting unity during the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, as recognized by UNESCO.
He highlighted the fact that 40% of the world’s population lacks access to education in their native language, which poses a significant challenge to inclusive education and the preservation of linguistic diversity.
Ewon expressed his belief that in addition to mastering their mother tongue, individuals should also be proficient in their national language and at least one international language.
He acknowledged the fortunate position of native language students who have access to learning materials that aid their education.
Since its inception in 2018, the Kadazan Flash Cards application has effectively fostered an interest in learning the Kadazan language among young people.
Ewon explained that the application has evolved over time, progressing from basic language lessons with illustrations and pronunciations in the first volume to more interactive lessons in the second volume.
The third volume builds upon this foundation by introducing new categories and more complex expressions, catering to the growing learning needs and ensuring the Kadazan language’s relevance in the 21st century.
Ewon praised such applications as valuable tools for preserving languages, as they not only teach but also revive heritage in an engaging digital format.
He commended the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) for their progressive efforts in this regard.
Ewon expressed his hope that the launch of the third volume would contribute to the preservation of the Kadazan language and culture in the future.
