UNESCO says Rotuman language is endangered

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has classified the Rotuman language as an endangered language.

Fiji Rotuman Association Chairman Paserio Furivai says seven years ago UNESCO had rated their language to be vulnerable and now the language has become endangered which raises a very serious concern for them because once people lose their language, they will also lose their culture.

He says the purpose of this year’s Rotuma Day is to help revive their Rotuman culture and to encourage youths to be proud of their identity.

He says they organized a farming competition, women’s crafting and cultural dancing competitions which youths can participate in to try and aid them in understanding what their culture is about.

The Rotuman Day theme this is “Rotuma, rotu-ma-on-to” which means my identity and heritage is my spirituality and faith.

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