Indigenous Languages as Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Global Specialised Domains: A Case of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study explores the role of the Zimbabwean Indigenous languages as intangible cultural heritage in specialised global fields. It notes that the hegemonic nature of English has relegated indigenous languages to a marginalised position in key areas, hindering their ability to pass on cultural knowledge to future generations, thus slowing down global participation of their users and threatening the existence of the vital cultural heritage. This inquiry is grounded in the Sankofa principles and the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a focus on safeguarding and promoting languages and customs. Key informants such as indigenous language speakers, cultural specialists, teachers, learners, and elderly community members were purposively selected to participate in this study after obtaining their informed consent. The study used the qualitative research design. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse data that were gathered through interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The findings revealed the need to develop terminology and customised digital tools for the Indigenous languages so that they remain relevant in the global specialised fields. The study recommends collaboration of relevant stakeholders in the adoption of practical strategies towards language raising in specialised domains and the use of the indigenous languages together with English to enable the users to participate in global developmental issues. Furthermore, to break the dominance of English, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, as gatekeepers of quality education, should treat indigenous languages as tools for administration, technology, and economic power.