The Lanta Papiamento Foundation has worked for a long time to raise awareness about the importance of Papiamento. However, Joyce Perreira, president of the foundation, indicates that it is very difficult to reach the new generation. This situation is not only in Aruba; it is a global trend where interest in one’s own language is decreasing.
According to Perreira, the world has developed rapidly in technology and digitalization, and young people have completely changed their interests. While the older generation participated heavily in face-to-face conversations and social interaction, the new generation is mostly on their phones.
Perreira also emphasizes the need for research on this topic. She believes that the education system in Aruba fails to motivate young people to continue learning. Unfortunately, the current teaching method discourages many children from continuing to learn and developing their knowledge.
According to the president, when a child is enthusiastic about learning, schools should stimulate this, but very often it does not happen. Perreira also observes strange movements in the education system in Aruba. Papiamento has only been introduced for reading and writing in primary schools, without offering a complete education in the language. This situation raises questions about its role in our education system.
According to Perreira, some education departments believe that if a child can read and write in Papiamento, they can follow all other subjects in Dutch. For example, mathematics, a subject that requires abstract understanding, should first be taught in the child’s native language before being introduced in another language. Perreira warns that this inconsistency in the education system could harm the intellectual development of our children and shows great concern for the future of the new generation.
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