Radio language class launched in Shuklagandaki

By Our Correspondent,Tanahun, May 21: A ‘Radio Language Class’ programme has been launched in Shuklagandaki, Tanahun, with the aim of transferring mother tongues to the next generation and preserving endangered languages and culture.

The special training programme has been organised by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Coordination Council in Shuklagandaki, and will run for one week. 

The initiative focuses on the preservation, script development, and intergenerational transfer of local mother tongues such as Newar, Kumal, Gurung, and Magar languages through radio-based classes.

The programme was inaugurated on Tuesday by Chief Administrative Officer of Shuklagandaki Municipality, Shishir Paudel. 

On the occasion, Paudel said that many countries invest heavily in preserving language and cultural diversity, while in Nepal, the transfer of indigenous languages to new generations is becoming increasingly challenging. 

He stressed that both local governments and concerned communities must be equally responsible and active in ensuring the long-term protection of local languages and cultures.

Council advisor and executive committee member Khim Bahadur Kumal said that since last year, local radio stations in the area have been broadcasting programmes in various mother tongues, which has encouraged young people to learn their own languages.

Council chair Kul Kumar Kumal said that the role of the media is very effective in taking the campaign of language preservation and transfer to the grassroots level. 

He also expressed confidence that radio classes would greatly help the younger generation learn their language and script.