Call to keep dialects alive
THE University of the South Pacific’s iTaukei Students Association hosted their annual ‘tara koro’ at the ANZ Stadium’s concourse in Suva on Friday.
While officiating at the event, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Alipate Nagata reminded the students to use social events as such as a means to encourage students to speak in their dialects.
“We need to encourage our iTaukei students to speak in their dialects and learn customs that are significant to their own provinces,” he said.
“As you may have noticed, the iTaukei language and traditions are weakening.
“I ask that you protect and practise your language and traditions so that it lives on to the next generation.”
Mr Nagata encouraged the students to continue to work hard in school.
“The ministry has in place programs to help youths within communities and various villages with their development.”
Mr Nagata also took the opportunity to request and encourage the students to register their youth groups with the ministry.
“Registering your groups with the ministry would also enable Government to reach out and assist your individual youth groups.”