By Archie Boan
The 55th National Legislature has taken a significant step toward cultural recognition and national identity after Maryland County District #3 Representative Austin B. Taylor introduced a proposal urging Liberia to adopt one indigenous language as an official language alongside English.
In his formal communication to the House Plenary, Rep. Taylor called for the launch of a national dialogue aimed at identifying and elevating a single Liberian language to share official status with English- a move he described as essential for strengthening national pride and unity.
“Language is the heartbeat of a people,” Rep. Taylor stated. “It is through language that a nation tells its story, preserves its heritage, and reinforces its unity.”
Following his presentation, the House of Representatives mandated the Committees on Education; Information, Culture & Tourism; and Internal Affairs to collaborate with the Liberia Language Institute and other relevant stakeholders to conduct consultations and present findings within two weeks.
Rep. Taylor emphasized that Liberia’s continued reliance on English as its only official language represents a colonial legacy, not a reflection of the country’s diverse cultural identity.
“Our nation is richly blessed with cultural and linguistic diversity, from Bassa to Kpelle, Kru, Lorma, Grebo, and Gio, among others,” he said. “Yet we remain bound by a single official language, English, a remnant of our colonial past, rather than a true expression of whom we are as a people.”
Drawing parallels from other African countries, the Maryland lawmaker cited Tanzania’s adoption of Swahili, Rwanda’s use of Kinyarwanda, and South Africa’s recognition of eleven official languages as examples of how nations can embrace cultural unity through inclusive language policies.
Rep. Taylor outlined several potential benefits of recognizing one local language as official, including:
Fostering national unity by honoring Liberia’s linguistic heritage
Promoting inclusion for citizens who are not fluent in English
Preserving cultural identity for future generations
Improving education and communication in rural communities where English proficiency remains limited.
He clarified that his proposal does not seek to replace English, but rather to complement it by granting “equal dignity to an indigenous language that embodies the Liberian experience.”
The assigned committees are expected to conduct nationwide consultations involving linguists, educators, traditional leaders, and cultural institutions before submitting a report to the full Plenary in two weeks.
“This is not just about language,” Rep. Taylor concluded. “It is about reclaiming our identity, celebrating our diversity, and ensuring that Liberia speaks with a voice that truly reflects its people.”
