Residents of Girkê Legê: our identity is Kurdish language

In the wave of efforts made for the preservation of the Kurdish language and culture, parents in the city of Girkê Legê (in al-Jazira region) have shown their dissatisfaction towards the decision made by the Syrian Transitional Government’s Ministry of Education which has restricted the Kurdish language classes to only three a week. The parents insisted on their right to provide education in their mother tongue and have their language recognized officially.

In this respect, citizen Ibrahim Omar said: "Our right as parents and one of our most fundamental ones is that our children must speak their Kurdish mother tongue, learn, read and write in it. We reject having the Kurdish language classes three days a week because our language constitutes our identity."

He added: "The Kurdish language is not merely a school subject; it is an integral part of our culture and history. Our children have the right to preserve and fully learn it. We want our children to grow up holding fast to their language; therefore, we demand an amendment to this decision and respect for our right to educate our children in their mother tongue."

For her part, resident Hadiya Omar said: "We want our Kurdish language, and we do not accept limiting its study to three classes a week. This decision must be amended, as the Kurdish language is part of our culture and identity, and our children have the right to learn in their mother tongue without any restrictions."

She added: "We want this right to be passed on to the next generation, and for our children to remain committed to their language, culture, customs, and traditions. Mother-tongue education is a fundamental right for children; we want the Kurdish language to be present in our schools so that future generations can preserve their language and heritage."

For his part, Hussein Saeed said: "We want our mother tongue to be preserved—it is our children's right. We want them to learn Kurdish and to read and write in it. We call on the Syrian transitional government to reconsider the decision to reduce Kurdish language classes."

He concluded: "We respect all languages ​​and communities, and we do not object to learning any language; however, we also want our children to learn in their mother tongue, Kurdish, because it is part of their identity and culture. Preserving the language means preserving Kurdish customs, traditions, and heritage—and this is the right of our children and future generations." 

ANHA