Bono language becoming extinct?

There is a growing concern among a section of the Bono people over the possible extinction of the Bono language. 

The Bono language, an ancient language spoken by the Bono people, is at the risk of being lost forever due to few fluent speakers remaining, mostly the elderly. 

This is attributed to globalisation and the dominance of widely spoken languages like English and Twi.

This situation has pushed some indigenous languages like the Bono language to the margins. 

The situation has sparked a call to action for all Bonos to cherish and protect their invaluable heritage.

Elders and community leaders in the region have also added their voice to the issue and called on all who matter to take immediate steps to reverse the trend. 

Speaking at a book launch on the Bono language in Sunyani recently, Okokyeredom Sakyi Akoto ll, Vice President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs noted that many young people see little economic and social value in learning their ancestral tongue, opting instead for languages that offer broader opportunities. 

The chief observed that most Bono people shy away or feel shy to speak the language outside the region for fear of being ridiculed, a situation he said was very unfortunate.

He then encouraged parents to speak the language to their children at their various homes in a bid to revive the language and bring it to light.

He appealed to academia and other relevant institutions to help document and preserve the Bono language for succeeding generations. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Bonoman Institute, a cultural organisations, Mr Ansu Gyabaah, emphasised that when a language dies “we lost part of humanity’s collective heritage. “

He, therefore, called for pragmatic measures to document and revitalise the language. 

Mr Gyabaah further added that his outfit was working to preserve the Bono language with initiatives such as the launch of the Bono Bible, adding that effective teachings of the language in schools could go a long way to preserve the Bono language. 

Speaking on the floor of Parliament to mark the World Language Day, Colonel (rtd) Kwadwo Damoah called for support and initiatives to have the Bono language recognised.

He appealed to indigenes, especially the youth of the region to speak the language proudly devoid of inferiority tendencies.

From Daniel Dzirasah, Sunyani