Ivory Coast: SIMAT Celebrates International Mother Language Day

In order to celebrate the International Mother Language Day which took place last 21st February, SIMAT (Société Ivoirienne de Manutention et de Transit) organised an internal competition of the best translator in Mother Language.

The purpose of this action was to promote Ivorian languages, to appreciate our cultural diversity and encourage its staff to practice its mother tongue. Four languages were selected among the 60 Ivorian mother tongues: Attié, Baoulé, Bété and Dioula.

The competitors were invited to show their mastery of their language during two tests: the first test was to introduce themselves in the language chosen and the second one, a translation of a funny story from French to Attié, Baoulé, Bété or Dioula.

The criteria of scoring were:

– The non-use of French words
– The pronunciation
– The accuracy of words
– The fluency of the speech
– The holding on stage
– The stage appearance

At the end of the competition, the members of the jury and the public have made their decision and one winner was chosen per language.