Arecuna alphabet book completed

–500 copies to be printed

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The much-anticipated Indigenous Arecuna alphabet book is finally completed. This was disclosed by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The formulation of the Indigenous alphabet book forms part of the ministry’s aim to revive Indigenous languages across the country. The completion of the publication coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of Indigenous Languages which is being observed this year.

Minister Garrido-Lowe said that the book will be launched on Stephen Campbell Day, September 10 which coincides with Indigenous Heritage Month.

The Arecuna alphabet has 22 letters and not 26 as is customary in the English alphabet. Both Indigenous elders and children were involved in the formulation of the alphabet. The children were responsible for the drawings representing each of the 22 letters.

“We chose the best to put in the alphabet book. It is finished, the illustrations looked quite good and we will be printing 500 copies,” the minister stated.

Additionally, it was highlighted that the ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), will be publishing a handbook of common Indigenous phrases with English translations. Printing of the handbook will commence shortly and be distributed to tourists and government agencies.

The International Year of Indigenous Languages aims to focus attention on the risks confronting Indigenous languages across the globe, especially those significant for development, reconciliation, good governance and peacebuilding.

The sum of $36M was allocated in the 2019 National Budget to promote Guyana’s nine Indigenous Languages, through collaboration with the UN’s Indigenous Peoples Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Some of the activities proposed throughout the year are a Language Revival Programme, Village Welcome Signboards to be erected at the entrance of each village in their respective language, Radio and Television programmes, a Children’s Book, a Tourist Hand Book, a Short Story competition, debates in four languages (Patamona, Akawaio, Wapishana and Makushi) at the Umana Yana, an Indigenous Food festival, a Calendar of Nations 2019 and establishment of an Indigenous Summer School.

Image: Giovanni Gajie