LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: A CASE OF OLUTACHONI OF WESTERN KENYA

Abstract

Environmental preservation is an urgent and salient subject in the current world since population pressure has directly impacted negatively on the natural environment. Notwithstanding this, environmental conservation efforts cannot be left to governments and other large organizations alone. The actual inhabitants of the various sections of the landmass need to be directly involved. Getting them involved will variously draw on economic and environmental reasons as well as on their cultural practices. This article examines the role of the language and culture of the Tachoni people of Western Kenya in preserving the environment that they inhabit. The data that is discussed was obtained through face to face interviews and observation of the physical environment. Those interviewed were sampled purposively on the strength of their knowledge of the language and culture of the Tachoni and how the two related to environmental conservation. Findings showed great dependence of the Tachoni on the environment and some conscious efforts to preserve it. In spite of the conservation efforts noted, it was also evident that the community faced an uphill task in maintaining the environment they needed so much to keep alive their cultural practices.