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Map showing the distribution of official local languages primarily spoken in Zambian provinces.
To illustrate this point that our local languages are different not only in syntax, that is the arrangement of words and phrases, but also semantically different, may I draw your attention to the way local languages express 'water' and 'river'.
From the simple illustration one can see how the different languages express the two phenomena of river and water.
Let’s not be deceived by the similarities across the languages when a single word/noun like “river” or “water” is isolated. The challenge in communication arises in the intricacies of verb formations and expressions during conversations.
I am again reminded of a wise saying in relation to language:
'When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison.' – Unknown.
A people may have their language taken away from them and have another language imposed on them, but unless they are made to dream and feel in the new language all the efforts made to change them will be fruitless.
And this may be the dilemma we are facing as a nation. Educated Zambians may go to rural areas using English during development processes, and may even hire translators/interpreters; as long as the people do not feel development in their hearts and dreams, all the dollars spent on trainings and workshops will not translate into real sustainable change.