Why learn an Oromo language

The majority of the world is bilingual or multilingual.
Learning another language can increase our understanding and respect for other cultures and world views.
Learning another language provides a range of opportunities to engage with the country or group of people to whom the language belongs.
Learning a language teaches how to figure out patterns and use higher order analytical thinking skills, as well as improving listening and literacy skills.
If we learn one language we are better able to go on to learn other languages.
By learning another language we can learn more about our first language in terms of its sounds, alphabet, grammar and social ways of using it.
Many linguists (such as Noam Chomsky) say that we are hardwired for language at birth and that there is some sort of mechanism in the brain to help learn languages, particularly during childhood.

Most Oromo speakers in Australia are first generation so by learning an Oromo language or learning about Oromo language we can help contribute to the health of the language.
Oromo language is said to be part of our shared national heritage. By learning an Oromo language we can also learn much about our shared history.
Learning about our shared environment helps us understand where we live and our place in the world.
Learning an Oromo language gives us an appreciation of the sophisticated and complex nature of the language – similar in structure to Latin, particularly in case marking.
Learning Oromo language can increase our understanding and respect for Oromo cultures and world views.
Learning Oromo language provides a range of opportunities to engage with the Oromo group of people.
Learning Oromo language teaches how to figure out patterns and use higher order analytical thinking skills, as well as improving listening and literacy skills.
By learning Oromo language we can learn more about our first language in terms of its sounds, alphabet, grammar and social ways of using it.
We can learn more about Oromo culture, which is embedded in language teaching.

Empowerment. Often the first empowering step in Language Revival is that Oromo students realise that words and phrases they’ve grown up with ARE NOT rubbish or slang but in fact form part of their language knowledge. The fact that this knowledge has survived must be acknowledged and celebrated. This helps students feel good about themselves.
A sense of belonging. Oromo students can make the links between themselves, their language and their country and it helps that Oromo people are teaching the language. This helps students feel they belong.
Improved participation. If you feel good about yourself and you feel you belong then you are more likely to come to school. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest studying an Oromo language and culture can lead to improved participation by Oromo students.
Improved engagement and performance. If you feel there’s something worth learning about yourself at school then you will also want to do well. There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that studying an Oromo language can lead to greater engagement and performance by Oromo students.

The Oromo language Syllabus is available to help schools and communities offer Oromo language as a subject.
Offering Oromo language, in collaboration with the Oromo community, can help contribute to strengthen the Oromo language and culture .
There is a close connection between language and country, which offers students a unique insight into their environment. Each language, for example, will have unique words to describe its particular tract of country.
Oromo languages must be taught, at least in part, by community members with language knowledge. This can allow your school to develop effective working relationships with your Oromo community. This in turn can increase community capacity.
Oromo community language teachers will always be around. This will be most helpful to have a strong Oromo community.

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