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Why we must save indigenous languages from extinction risk

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A dancer entertains guests during the opening of the 2023 Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Language matters spiritually, culturally and emotionally. Written and spoken words are an art form, a way for values and traditions to be transmitted across generations.

Once a language is lost, the result is a cultural whitewash. By the same token, when language is preserved, traditions and customs live on in the hearts and minds of the people.

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