In an interview with Mvwala Katshinga, the outgoing president of the Association des Traducteurs et Interprètes Professionnels du Congo (ATIPCO), several crucial points were made concerning the preservation of national languages and the importance of World Translation Day, which is celebrated this year on October 5.

Katshinga highlighted the urgent need to revitalize endangered languages, which are often neglected in everyday exchanges. He observed that, in many communities, members only use their mother tongue at times of misfortune, underlining a devaluation of its use in joyful contexts. This observation calls for a reassessment of the importance of these languages in everyday life.

In response to this challenge, the Kongophonie initiative was launched to raise public awareness of the need to preserve languages. Katshinga explained that this approach aims to encourage people to speak their mother tongue, not only as a cultural act but also as a fundamental part of their identity. ATIPCO plays a key role in advocating the valorization of national languages and proposing concrete strategies for their revitalization.

The interview also underlined ATIPCO's commitment to combating linguicide practices, which threaten the country's linguistic diversity. Katshinga insisted that the Democratic Republic of Congo's linguistic wealth, with its more than 250 languages, is a precious asset to be protected. Preserving this linguistic heritage is seen not only as a question of cultural survival but also as a development issue.

In conclusion, Mvwala Katshinga's interview reminds us of the importance of collective action to celebrate and preserve linguistic diversity. By encouraging everyone to express themselves proudly in their mother tongue, ATIPCO aims to create an environment where all languages find their place and every speaker feels valued. World Translation Day will be an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment.