About The Academy
Language is the most distinctive quality of human beings. The ability to communicate, create bonds, and share ideas and creativity and experiences is what makes human beings different from animals. It is the primary vehicle through which norms and values, knowledge and skills, beliefs and practices are transmitted from one generation to the next.
The variety of linguistic expression among communities, groups and individuals is seen as one sign of Allah’s omnipotence, “And among his signs in the creation of heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors; verily in that are signs for those who know” (30:22) At the individual level, mother language-based education enhances learning and comprehension, improves learning outcomes and school performance, and allows citizens to fully participate in the politics, social, and economic affairs of society (UNSECO 2022). Mother language is an important aspect of one’s identity and a source of pride.
The Maay language is part of the wider Cushitic languages spoken in the Horn of Africa region and is related to, but not mutually intelligible with Maxaa tiri. There is also considerable evidence that Maay and Maxaa tiri are mutually unintelligible. It is the oldest, richest, and one of the most widely spoken languages in the region. It is the second most widely spoken language in the region. The Maay language is spoken in Southwest, Jubaland, and Hirshabeelle States and the Banadir region, as well as the Northeast region of Kenya, and the Somalia region of Ethiopia. It is rich in oral history and poetry, and in vocabulary of the climate, agropastoralism, flora and fauna, oceanography, and the sciences of the environment.
Consequently, the official promotion of Maay language will make the nation richer culturally and contribute to the development of a just and politically and economically sustainable Somalia consistent with President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud’s vision of a Somalia at peace with itself. The purpose of the National Academy of Maay Culture and Sciences is to, therefore, acknowledge and actively promote and celebrate the cultures, languages, and dialects of all communities across the nation.
Our Vision
The National Academy of Maay Culture and Sciences strives for a Somalia where all cultural heritages and values are promoted, and where the use of Maay as one of the official languages is implemented as in the same level with Maxaatiri in all national and educational curricular matters as affirmed by Article 5 of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Our Mission
The National Academy of region and Sciences’ mission is to strengthen institutional and societal capacities for collecting, preserving, promoting, and safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritages of all communities in Somalia and across the region, and encourage and spark progress on innovation as a foundation for peace and sustainable development.
Our Objectives
Actively Promote the use of the Maay language in national and educational curricula as well as institutional communication and correspondence both at the national regional levels.
Promote and support an inclusive national historical narrative to foster and strengthen the development of economically and politically integrated and socially cohesive communities in displacement-affected areas in Somalia.
Facilitate scientific research and scholarly endeavors aimed at advancing research and innovation in the social, physical, engineering, and biological sciences.
Preserve and develop the rich cultural heritage of Somalia, with a particular focus on Maay traditions, customs, Musical and folklore, and foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity by promoting dialogue and understanding among different linguistic and cultural communities.
Provide educational and capacity-building initiatives to empower individuals and communities to preserve and promote their cultural identities.