You are not inferior if you speak your mother tongue – Fr. Alphonse Bulloro

Youth Chaplain of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Rev. Fr. Alphonse Bulloro has called on young people not to see themselves as inferior when speaking their mother tongues.

He stressed the need for culture preservation saying that culture is God-given and must be cherished.

“I stand here to speak to you in English, but don’t see yourself inferior when you are speaking your mother tongue. If you speak the Ewe language, be proud of it. If you speak Ga,  speak it, that is your language,” Fr. Bulloro said.

Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Chapter of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability Africa (CYNESA) on September 30, Fr. Bulloro, emphasized the importance of culture and language in the quest for environmental sustainability.

ADVERTISEMENT

He called for a deeper appreciation of African culture and languages, emphasizing that they are invaluable gifts bestowed by God upon the continent. He stressed the rich diversity of African cultures and languages, highlighting that this diversity should be cherished and promoted.

“As we think about humanity and the environment, I also want us to love our culture. That is what God has given us as Africans,” Fr. Bulloro stated. “Many of our African countries are rich in different cultures and languages, and I will always want us to cherish this and promote it.”

Fr. Bulloro underscored the linguistic diversity present in Africa, pointing out that this diversity grants individuals unique abilities. He encouraged young Africans not to perceive themselves as inferior when using their mother tongues alongside more widely spoken languages like English.

“In that, you know who you are and you find dignity,” Fr. Bulloro asserted. “In talking about humanity, I present to you our language and culture, and if we communicate well in our languages, we will be able to take care of the environment.”

Fr. Bulloro drew attention to the detrimental environmental impact of foreign items that Africans may not be accustomed to handling. He cited the example of plastic bottles, emphasizing that some individuals discard them irresponsibly, causing harm to the environment. Fr. Bulloro encouraged participants to appreciate and utilize the natural resources around them as God-given gifts.

“You are used to drinking from the calabash but you see it as inferior and opt for plastic bottles and yet, we do not know how to handle them and we cause harm to the environment,” He said.