Goroka
Address by David Avei-Hosea, Dean of Humanities, at the opening of the Workshop on Digital Technology for Language Preservation, 8 Feb 2010, Mark Solon Auditorium, University of Goroka.PNG is one of the few countries in the world that still practices its oral cultures and speaks its languages, and is richly blessed with untapped traditional knowledge. More than 80% of PNG's knowledge systems have not been researched, recorded and archived. Most of the Papua New Guineans who hold such knowledge are old people and if we do not act fast in preserving such knowledge, it is certain that we will lose what is truly ours forever. Our languages are the key to all these indigenous systems. Such a workshop, for recording, archiving, and research using the latest in technology is important and timely. It is our responsibility, both as academics and students, to work together to preserve and promote what is truly ours and be proud of such.
The University of Goroka has in its plans and targets a vision towards promoting the Melanesian perspective. In its corporate plane for 2010-2012, it aims to promote such workshops and initiatives by the various departments. The Language and Literature Department has the University's corporate plan in mind, and this language workshop is hopefully the first of many to follow.
Papua New Guinea with its 865 languages is a pluralistic country in the world. Recognizing that genuine Papua New Guinea language identity and appreciation promotes unity in diversity and mutual Melanesian understanding, work towards promoting and preserving language is timely. Every Papua New Guinean should be proud of their identities. And the very thing that gives us our identities is our languages and cultures.
Madang
The following quote was read at the opening of the workshop, from a final year student project in oral history by Joyce Maragas, Jessica Popen, Sowen Sila, Gaius Sabumci, and Danielle Tracy Winfrey, Department of PNG Studies, Divine Word University.
The oral history of our people is a vital part of our people's identity, continuity, and existence. Not only is it a collection of knowledge and information but it is an art that needs to be mastered in order to capture its true essence. Whether the oral history is archived into legends, songs, dances, rituals, artifacts and the reading of nature and seasons, all oral histories tell of a story that if not careful can fade away with the passing of a generation. Thus it is a race against time to preserve as many of these oral histories as possible so we can value and appreciate their true meaning before they are completely forgotten or distorted by younger generations to come.
