A new collection of narratives aimed at highlighting identity, promoting inclusivity, and preserving cultural heritage across the Caribbean, in the form of the book Unearthing Traditions: Stories of Language and Culture, was launched by the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, on Friday.
Director of the Centre for Language Learning (CLL) at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and co-editor of the book, Dr. Nicole Roberts, said stories remind us where we come from and where we might go.
“In our rapidly shifting world, cultural stories not only preserve the past; they shape the future by teaching us how to listen, how to connect, and how to honour the richness of human experience. In the Caribbean, a strong sense of community is woven into our very identity; it is reflected in our music, food, dance, and in our cultures.”
She said the book acknowledges that the values and traditions that define and shape us are worthy of preservation. She believes stories about language and culture are more important than ever in the 21st century.
“As globalisation accelerates and digital media connects people across the world, cultural stories help preserve identity and build empathy. Our histories are relational – we see this when we bring people together.”
Mandarin Chinese teacher at CLL and second co-editor of the book, Janine Lutchman, wants the book to allow readers to connect with other cultures and learn something new.
“Beyond the book cover, one of the most rewarding aspects of this project was helping to curate and refine a collection of diverse voices, each sharing a unique and personal story… So editing actually went far beyond just correcting grammar or restructuring sentences – it was about preserving the heart of each narrative.”
She said the experiences shared in the publication will not only refine linguistics but also broaden the way the world is viewed.