Executive Secretary of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha has identified harmonization of the writing system of languages as an important factor in the development of such languages.

He made this known while delivering the closing remark at the just concluded workshop on the  “Harmonization of Kinyarwanda/Kirundi, Kiswahili, Luganda, Malagasy and Somali Cross-border Languages" in Kampalam on Saturday.

Dr. Lang said, "The harmonization of the writing system of our languages is a very important step in their development which is why ACALAN has it at the centre of its activities. We know that the harmonization of the writing systems of these languages will increase the number of languages whose writing systems have been harmonized by ACALAN. However, much remains to be done as we are aware that there are many African languages.

"It is about time we strengthened linguistic cooperation among African states and above all promote and develop our languages, develop and implement language policies in Africa in line with the aspirations of the Language Plan of Action for Africa (LPAA). We want an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa driven by its citizens and representing the dynamic folks in the international arena. This is why ACALAN has organized this workshop to harmonize the differences in orthographic practices with the aim of making vehicular cross-border languages true operational languages."

He lauded the job done so far by the Academy while also admitting that a lot still needs to be done and called on all concerned to redouble their efforts.

"No sustainable development is possible in Africa without the development and use of African languages. Also ACALAN counts on the availability of the members of its working structures, members of commissions and heads of its national structures because you are our ambassadors in our member states, we remain attentive to the commissions and national structures," he added.