1. Introduction
Language is more than a tool for communication; it is the heartbeat of a people, the vessel of people’s history, heritage, tradition, and unity; it is a mirror and the cornerstone of cultural identity. For the Muonyjang (Jieng/Dinka) people of South Sudan, Thuongjang is not just a vernacular or a means of communication, oral traditions, and cultural expression; it is a living archive of ancestral wisdom. Yet, despite its widespread use and deep cultural significance, Thuongjang remains one of the most structurally underdeveloped and linguistically fragmented vernaculars in the region.
The successful modernization of Thuongjang requires more than isolated efforts or fragmented initiatives; it demands a unified, strategic framework that brings together all stakeholders under a common vision. Without such a framework, the language risks continued fragmentation, inconsistent development, and limited functionality in formal domains despite early works from Christian Missionaries and Colonial Linguists Pioneers who laid a foundational groundwork for literacy in documenting Dinka dialects through translations of religious texts, and teaching standardized orthography in local schools and churches, especially in the then southern Sudan. A unified approach ensures that every aspect of the language, from phonetics to grammar, from cultural relevance to technological integration, is addressed systematically and inclusively. This paper explores the historical development of the language, the challenges it faces, and the path forward.
Historically, Thuongjang has evolved through informal channels – spoken in homes, sung in ceremonies, and preached in churches. While these domains have preserved their spirit, they have not provided the structural foundation necessary for their transformation into a modern, standardized language. Multiple dialects, inconsistent alphabets, and a lack of grammatical cohesion have created barriers to literacy, education, and formal communication. These challenges are compounded by the absence of institutional support, limited written documentation, and the overshadowing influence of dominant languages such as English and Arabic, and now Kiswahili spoken in East African countries as a discipline of communication.
Despite these obstacles, the desire to modernize Thuongjang has persisted across generations. From early church-based initiatives to recent academic efforts, many have attempted to refine and formalize the language. Nevertheless, I am aware of the role played by many before, for example, Prof. Job Dharuai Malou, one of the pioneers in developing Thuongjang, and the one who placed the standardized form of the Dinka language. His most notable contribution is the book: “Thuon̳jän̳ athör tuen̳ ë kue̳n: A Teachers’ Guide for Dinka Book One”. It was first published in 1995, and this work serves as an instructional guide for teaching the Dinka language, precisely tailored for educators working with early learners.
Another one is Abraham Aleu, a language educator and media contributor who gives a lesson series “PIOOC DE THUONG JANG”, through YouTube, where he teaches Dinka language basics as a cultural literacy promotion.
Again, Hélène Fatima Idris, an academic from Göteborg University who published “Modern Developments in the Dinka Language” in 2004, focusing on vocabulary expansion, orthographic challenges, and the linguistic impact of Arabic and English on Dinka.
Additionally, Akutmɛ̈t Latueŋ Thuɔŋjäŋ, a (Dinka Language Development Association), has been useful in planning a unified written grammar for Dinka, aiming at harmonizing the various dialects into one. This body concurred with my approach in a way.
Finally, Pioocku Thuongjang Project, an elementary Modern Standard Dinka with the purpose of laying a comprehensive foundation course for written and spoken Modern Standard Dinka (MSD), is designed for teaching standardized Dinka across dialects to beginning students. However, most of these endeavours have been isolated, lacking coordination, consensus, and the technical expertise required for sustainable progress. As a result, Thuongjang remains in a raw and vulnerable state, rich in cultural value but limited in practical utility.
This paper argues that the time has come to shift from fragmented individual efforts to a unified, strategic movement. The development of Thuongjang must be approached as a collective responsibility, one that involves civilized individuals, cutting across linguists, educators, cultural leaders, and community members working together under a single, inclusive framework and spirit. By consolidating our efforts, establishing clear objectives, and adhering to essential conditions for success, we can transform Thuongjang into a fully functional language that serves the social, cultural, academic, and technological needs of the Muonyjang people.
The journey ahead is not simple, but it is necessary. Language is the foundation upon which identity, unity, and progress are built. If we are to preserve our heritage and empower future generations, we must act now – deliberately, collaboratively, and with unwavering commitment to shape Thuongjang into the language of our shared future.
2. Historical Background and Linguistic Diversity
Thuongjang, the vernacular of the Muonyjang (Jieng/Dinka) people, has a rich and complex history rooted in oral tradition. For centuries, it has served as a vehicle for storytelling, cultural transmission, and communal identity. Passed down through generations, Thuongjang has been spoken in homes, sung in ceremonies, and used in rituals, yet it has remained largely unwritten and structurally unrefined.
The earliest formal attempts to develop Thuongjang emerged within religious institutions, particularly churches, where missionaries and local leaders sought to translate biblical texts and liturgical materials into the vernacular. While these efforts preserved aspects of the language and introduced basic literacy, they were limited in scope and lacked linguistic rigor. The absence of a centralized framework meant that translations varied widely, often reflecting the dialect of the translator rather than a standardized form.
Consequently, these factors, as mentioned below, have led to confusion and inconsistency in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, making it challenging to teach, translate, or formalize the language for broader use. Despite its cultural richness, Thuongjang remains one of the most underdeveloped vernaculars in the region, urgently in need of a unified and strategic approach to modernization.
Hence, the development of Thuongjang has been largely confined to church domains, where early attempts to standardize it often failed due to:
- Multiple regional accents and intonations
Variations in pronunciation across different Muonyjang communities have made it difficult to agree on a unified phonetic system.
- Lack of linguistic tools and frameworks
Without formal grammar guides, dictionaries, or phonetic charts, early developers lacked the resources needed to build a consistent language structure.
- Absence of communal consensus
Efforts were often isolated, with little collaboration among dialect groups, elders, or linguistic experts, leading to fragmentation rather than cohesion.
3. Objectives: Why We Must Develop Thuongjang into a Modern Language
- Preserving Cultural Identity and Heritage
Thuongjang is more than a language; it is a living archive of Muonyjang history, values, and customs. Its formal development will safeguard our ancestral knowledge and ensure cultural continuity for future generations.
- Fostering Unity Across Ethnic Lines
A standardized Thuongjang will bridge linguistic divides among Jieng communities, promoting harmony and a shared identity across regions, clans, and generations.
- Elevating Cultural Recognition Locally and Globally.
By formalizing Thuongjang, we amplify the visibility and significance of Muonyjang traditions, enabling greater appreciation and respect both within South Sudan and on the international stage.
- Expanding Literacy and Educational Inclusion
A structured language will empower Muonyjang people, especially in rural areas, to access education, read and write in their mother tongue, and participate fully in national development.
- Establishing a Functional Medium for Communication
Thuongjang must evolve into a reliable tool for everyday use capable of supporting research, documentation, governance, and social interaction with clarity and precision.
- Advancing Linguistic and Academic Research
A modernized Thuongjang will open doors for scholars, educators, and linguists to engage in comparative studies, contribute to global linguistic discourse, and preserve indigenous knowledge through academic channels.
- Empowering Economic and Professional Participation
Language is power. A standardized Thuongjang will enable its speakers to engage confidently in business, government, education, and other formal sectors using their native tongue.
- Ensuring Accurate Translation and Interpretation
Developing a consistent linguistic framework will reduce misinterpretations in religious texts, legal documents, and public communication, enhancing clarity and trust.
- Integrating with Digital and Technological Platforms
A modern Thuongjang must be compatible with digital tools, keyboards, translation apps, online dictionaries, and educational software to ensure its relevance in the digital age.
- Preserving Oral Traditions and Indigenous Wisdom
Formalizing the language will help record and protect oral literature, proverbs, songs, and traditional knowledge that are at risk of being lost.
- Building a Foundation for Curriculum Development
A standardized language will enable the creation of school curricula, textbooks, and learning materials, ensuring that Thuongjang is taught and sustained through formal education.
- Strengthening National Identity and Representation
As one of the most widely spoken vernaculars in South Sudan, Thuongjang deserves formal recognition and representation in national institutions, media, and policy-making.
- Promoting Intergenerational Transmission
A well-developed language will encourage parents and elders to teach Thuongjang to children, ensuring its survival and relevance across generations.
- Supporting Cross-Cultural Exchange and Translation
With proper structure, Thuongjang can be translated into and from other languages (e.g., English, Arabic, Kiswahili), facilitating intercultural dialogue and global understanding.
- Creating a Platform for Innovation and Creativity
A modern language fosters artistic expression, poetry, storytelling, music, and media, allowing Muonyjang voices to flourish creatively and authentically.
4. Current Challenges
Despite growing interest in preserving and modernizing Thuongjang, the language remains significantly underdeveloped. While its cultural value is widely acknowledged, the practical steps required to formalize it have been hindered by several persistent challenges:
- Mixed alphabets (Arabic, Latin, Germanic) are unsuited to native phonetics
Thuongjang has been written using a variety of foreign alphabets, none of which fully capture its unique phonetic structure. The Latin script, commonly used in early church translations, often fails to represent tonal variations and vowel distinctions. Arabic and Germanic influences further complicate consistency, leading to confusion in pronunciation and spelling across dialects.
- Lack of standardized symbols, scripts, and counting systems
The absence of agreed-upon symbols and orthographic conventions has made it difficult to develop educational materials, dictionaries, or formal documentation. Even basic elements like numerals and punctuation marks are inconsistently applied, limiting the language’s functionality in academic, scientific, and technological contexts.
- No agreed-upon accent or intonation
Regional variations in tone and stress patterns create barriers to mutual understanding. Without a standardized system of intonation, speakers from different areas may interpret or pronounce the same word differently, complicating efforts to unify the language.
- Fragmented efforts without collaboration or institutional support
Most attempts to develop Thuongjang have been isolated, driven by individuals or small groups without coordination. There is no central body overseeing linguistic development, and limited involvement from academic institutions or government agencies. This fragmentation has led to duplicated efforts, inconsistent outcomes, and a lack of authoritative resources.
As Mr. Mike Brisco of Flinders University, Australia, noted, “It is up to others with the appropriate skills to produce definitive, authoritative English-to-Dinka works.” This statement underscores the urgent need for skilled, coordinated leadership, bringing together linguists, educators, cultural leaders, and community members to build a unified and sustainable framework for Thuongjang’s development.
5. Barriers to the Modernization of Thuongjang
The following factors have significantly hindered the development of Thuongjang into a modern, standardized language:
- Lack of a Common Platform: No unified space exists for Muonyjang communities to collaborate and agree on linguistic standards.
- Lack of Professional Skills and Comparative Knowledge: Language development requires multilingual expertise and contributions from diverse fields.
- Limited Research: Past efforts were isolated and lacked a comprehensive linguistic analysis across the Jieng ethnicities.
- Insufficient Written Documentation: The absence of literature and historical records impedes grammatical consistency.
- Inappropriate Alphabets and Symbols: Current scripts do not match the phonetic needs of Thuongjang.
- Weak Grammatical Framework: Core elements like prepositions, articles, and punctuation are poorly defined or missing.
- Complex Nature of the Language: Pronouns and prepositions often overlap, creating confusion in structure and meaning.
- Missing Sense of Abstraction: Abstract concepts are either absent or ambiguously expressed.
- Premature Publishing: Dictionaries and books were printed before foundational linguistic work was completed.
- Difficulty in Its Natural State: Thuongjang remains largely oral and structurally irregular.
- Historical Disruptions: Conflict, displacement, and colonial influence have fragmented linguistic continuity.
- Absence of Institutional Support: No formal programmes exist to promote or standardize the language.
- Low Digital Integration: Thuongjang lacks presence in digital tools and platforms.
- Regional Variation: Dialectal differences across regions complicate standardization.
- Educational Gaps: The language is not taught in schools, limiting generational transmission.
- Influence of Dominant Languages: English and Arabic overshadow Thuongjang in formal settings.
- Lack of Financial and Human Resources: Development efforts suffer from underfunding and understaffing.
- Complex Phonetics and Unique Structures: Thuongjang’s linguistic intricacies require specialized expertise.
- Limited International Recognition: Without global acknowledgment, development remains local and informal.
- Need for Structural Organization: Thuongjang must incorporate missing components, abstract terms, symbols, scientific vocabulary, and more to become a fully functional language.
6. The Need for a Unified Framework
This process is not yet a dictionary project; it is a foundational phase requiring strategic planning and communal effort. Before any dictionary or textbook is published, the essential components of the language must be carefully researched, refined, and agreed upon. Only through unity, expertise, and shared commitment can Thuongjang evolve into a language that serves both tradition and progress. To transform Thuongjang into a modern language, we must:
- Consolidate dialects into one cohesive vernacular.
Thuongjang is spoken across various Muonyjang communities, each with its own dialectal nuances. While these variations reflect rich cultural diversity, they also pose challenges to standardization. A unified framework must harmonize these dialects into a single, functional vernacular that respects regional identities while promoting mutual intelligibility and cohesion.
- Refine grammar and introduce scientific vocabulary.
The current grammatical structure of Thuongjang is informal and lacks clarity in key areas such as verb conjugation, sentence construction, and abstract terminology. A unified framework must establish clear grammatical rules and expand the lexicon to include scientific, technological, and academic vocabulary, ensuring the language is equipped for modern discourse and professional use.
- Establish a governing body to oversee development.
Language development requires leadership, coordination, and accountability. A central governing body composed of linguists, educators, cultural leaders, and community representatives must be formed to guide the process. This body will be responsible for setting standards, validating resources, organizing conferences, and ensuring that all efforts align with the shared goals of the Muonyjang people.
- Create tools for education, translation, and cultural preservation.n
A modern language must be teachable, translatable, and capable of preserving cultural heritage. The framework should support the creation of dictionaries, grammar guides, school curricula, translation systems, and digital platforms. These tools will enable Thuongjang to thrive in classrooms, media, literature, and online spaces—bridging generations and connecting communities.
7. Essential Conditions for the Successful Development of Thuongjang
This section outlines the operational steps, governance structures, and implementation mechanisms needed to realize the unified framework. Therefore, to ensure the effective transformation of Thuongjang into a standardized, modern language, the following conditions must be collectively observed and implemented:
Implementation Requirements:
- Formation of a Unified Language Body
All stakeholders, institutions, groups, and individuals involved in the development of Thuongjang must unite under a single, inclusive language body. This entity will coordinate efforts, define shared goals, and ensure the entire process is conducted with transparency and accountability.
- Controlled Publishing and Translation Freeze
All printing, publishing, and translation activities must be temporarily suspended until foundational linguistic elements are mutually agreed upon and standardized. This includes grammar, phonetics, and technical terminology to ensure consistency and shared benefit across all Muonyjang communities.
- Territorial and Inclusive Jieng (Dinka) Conference
A comprehensive linguistic conference must be convened under the authority of the unified language body, a framework that would establish the foundational components of the Jieng (Dinka) language. This gathering should include all relevant stakeholders, linguists, educators, cultural leaders, community representatives, and policymakers to collaboratively define the elements necessary for building a standardized, functional, and inclusive language system. Such a system must be capable of thriving across education, governance, media, and digital platforms. The conference should address the most critical linguistic issues, including but not limited to:
- Alphabets and Scripts
A consistent and phonologically accurate alphabet is the foundation of any written language. For Jieng, deciding whether to retain Latin-based scripts or adapt them ensures that sounds are properly represented and easily taught. It enables literacy, supports dictionary and textbook creation, and allows integration into digital systems like keyboards and apps.
- Symbols and Orthographic Faults
Orthographic faults, like inconsistent spelling, punctuation, or symbol use, create confusion and hinder learning. Standardizing symbols (e.g., tone markers, diacritics) ensures clarity and uniformity. It improves readability, facilitates translation, and ensures that written materials are consistent across regions and generations.
- Phonetic Stress, Tones, and Accents
Jieng is a tonal language where pitch and stress can change word meaning. Without standardized tone and accent rules, miscommunication is inevitable. It preserves linguistic integrity, supports accurate pronunciation, and enhances the teaching of spoken and written forms.
- Counting Systems and Dialectal Variations
Different Jieng dialects may use varied counting systems or numerical expressions. Standardizing these ensures consistency in education, commerce, and administration. It promotes mutual understanding, simplifies curriculum development, and supports national cohesion across dialects.
- Grammar and Syntax Rules
Establishing consistent rules for sentence structure, verb conjugation, noun classes, and clause formation is essential for clarity and teachability.
- Lexical Expansion and Terminology Development
Addressing gaps in vocabulary, especially in scientific, technological, legal, and academic domains, to support modern usage.
- Semantic Standardization
Ensuring that words and phrases carry consistent meanings across dialects to avoid misinterpretation and ambiguity.
- Orthographic Conventions
Defining rules for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and hyphenation to ensure uniformity in written materials.
- Loanword Integration and Adaptation
Creating guidelines for incorporating foreign terms (e.g., English or Arabic) while preserving linguistic integrity.
- Register and Style Differentiation
Clarifying formal vs. informal usage, academic vs. conversational tone, and ceremonial vs. everyday language.
- Pragmatics and Discourse Norms
Understanding how meaning is shaped by context, politeness strategies, and cultural norms in communication.
- Language Acquisition and Pedagogy
Discussing best practices for teaching Thuongjang to children and adults, including curriculum design and literacy strategies.
- Digital Encoding and Unicode Compatibility
Ensuring that scripts and symbols are compatible with digital platforms, enabling online use and software integration.
- Sign Language and Accessibility Considerations
Exploring the development of a standardized sign language variant or accessibility tools for inclusive communication.
- Creation of a Comprehensive Language Guide
A formal reference manual should be produced to document Thuongjang’s grammar, phonetics, vocabulary, and usage rules. This will serve as a foundational resource for learners, educators, and translators.
- Comprehensive Language Structuring
Thuongjang must be reorganized and redesigned from the ground up. This includes establishing a clear structure, arrangement, and composition to eliminate inconsistencies and confusion.
- Standardization of Alphabets and Symbols
A collective decision must be made regarding the continued use or modification of Latin alphabets, scripts, and symbols. These must be evaluated for phonetic accuracy and compatibility with Thuongjang’s linguistic needs, especially in counting and tonal expression.
- Linguistic Inclusivity Across Dialects
The development process must embrace the diversity of accents and dialects within Jieng communities. This ensures unity and prevents marginalization of any linguistic variation.
- Integration into Education and Media
Thuongjang should be incorporated into school curricula, publications, and digital platforms, including online dictionaries, learning apps, and media broadcasts, to enhance its accessibility and relevance.
8. Methodology
The development of Thuongjang into a modern, standardized language requires a multifaceted and culturally grounded methodology. This section outlines the technical and participatory approaches used to ensure linguistic accuracy, community ownership, and long-term sustainability.
- Phonetic Analysis
Thuongjang’s spoken form is rich in tonal variation and regional accents. To establish a consistent phonetic foundation:
– Field recordings will be collected from native speakers across different Muonyjang regions.
– Phoneme segmentation will be conducted to identify distinct sound units.
– Stress patterns and intonation will be analyzed to determine natural rhythm and pronunciation.
– Comparative studies will be performed against phonetic systems in Latin, Arabic, and Germanic languages to assess compatibility and identify gaps.
This analysis informs the development of a phonetic alphabet that reflects the natural soundscape of Thuongjang.
- Grammar Structuring
Thuongjang currently lacks a formal grammatical framework. To address this:
– Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, articles) will be identified and categorized.
– Sentence structure and syntax will be mapped through native speaker interviews and textual analysis.
– Verb conjugation and tense usage will be examined to establish rules for indicative, imperative, and subjunctive forms.
– Punctuation and clause separation will be introduced to support written clarity. This structuring will lay the groundwork for educational materials, dictionaries, and formal documentation.
- Community Engagement
Language development must be inclusive and participatory. The following steps were taken:
– Community consultations will be held with elders, educators, and cultural leaders.
– Territorial and Inclusive Jieng Conferences will be proposed to gather consensus on key linguistic decisions.
– Feedback loops will be established to incorporate suggestions from diverse dialect groups.
– Awareness campaigns will be launched to promote public understanding and involvement.
This is to ensure that the language reflects the lived experience and values of its speakers.
- Discretization Process
This process transforms oral fluidity into written precision, enabling the creation of dictionaries, grammar guides, and digital tools. Besides, discretization is the technical backbone of language standardization. It involves:
– Phonetic discretization: Segmenting continuous speech into distinct phonemes.
– Grammatical discretization: Defining clear categories for parts of speech and syntactic roles.
– Semantic discretization: Assigning precise meanings to words, especially abstract and technical terms.
– Orthographic discretization: Selecting appropriate symbols and scripts that align with Thuongjang’s phonetic needs.
- Comparative Linguistic Analysis
This comparative lens strengthens Thuongjang’s adaptability in academic, professional, and digital environments.
To ensure global relevance and technical robustness:
– Thuongjang will be compared with languages such as English, Kiswahili, Arabic, and Spanish.
– Lexical borrowing and semantic alignment will be explored to expand vocabulary.
– Scientific and technological terminology will be introduced to support modern usage.
9. Call to Action
We must stop working in isolation. The time has come to:
– Form a central body of linguists, educators, and cultural leaders
– Set clear goals and timelines
– Engage communities in the development process
– Produce authoritative resources for future generations
10. Final Conclusion: A Shared Path Forward for Thuongjang
The development of Thuongjang into a modern, standardized language is not merely a linguistic endeavor; it is a cultural imperative, a unifying mission, and a legacy project for the Muonyjang people. Despite its rich oral tradition and widespread use, Thuongjang remains structurally fragmented, under-documented, and vulnerable to marginalization. The challenges are many: from inconsistent alphabets and dialectal variations to limited institutional support and digital integration. Yet, these obstacles are not insurmountable.
What is required now is a decisive shift from scattered individual efforts to a coordinated, collective movement. We must unite under a single language body, convene inclusive conferences, and establish formal frameworks that guide grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary development. We must halt premature publishing and instead prioritize foundational research, structural refinement, and consensus-building. Only through collaboration, transparency, and shared ownership can we build a language that reflects our identity, serves our communities, and stands the test of time.
Thuongjang must evolve into a tool of empowerment used in education, governance, science, media, and everyday life. It must be taught in schools, embedded in technology, and recognized both nationally and globally. This transformation will require sustained investment, professional expertise, and public engagement. But most importantly, it demands unity.
Let this be the moment we stop moving in parallel and begin walking together. Let us consolidate our efforts, honor our heritage, and shape Thuongjang into the language of our future, one that speaks not only to who we are, but to who we aspire to become.
The author can be reached via jogaak3@gmail.com/ WhatsApp: +254 722 159 230.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.