Malagasy Language Day
The Malagasy language is the national language of Madagascar, and it is one of the most remarkable languages in the world. Malagasy is an Austronesian language (related to Malay, Indonesian, and the languages of the Pacific), not an African language, and it is the only Austronesian language spoken in Africa. The language was brought to Madagascar by seafarers from Borneo around 1,500 years ago, and it has been influenced by Bantu (African), Arabic, and French. The Malagasy language is the foundation of the Malagasy identity, and it is spoken by all 18 ethnic groups on the island. The language day is observed with poetry readings, kabary (oration) competitions, and the celebration of the ohabolana (proverbs) that are the wisdom of the Malagasy people.