By Sah Terence A.
Prof. Emmanuel Chia has been laid to rest in his Native Anjin Village in Belo Sub Division.
Born in 1943, the late Prof. Emmanuel Chia was a great scholar in the field of social linguistics and development, a concept that encourages the use of National as well as African languages to foster development.
He studied in the University of George Town USA and returned to Cameroon in 1977 to teach in the department if Linguistics and African languages of the University of Yaounde 1 where he was HOD for ten years.
He was then appointed to head the School of Translators and Interpreters ASTI in the University of Buea. It is worth noting that he had served in the Presidency of the Republic as translator before moving to the United States of America for studies.
With his knowledge, he did a lot if research and was a strong advocate for the use of African languages and Cameroonian languages especially in the study of linguistics as well as to foster development.
Given that just about 40% of Cameroonians speak English and French, he felt that the over 60% that speaks Maternal Languages are marginalized and therefore was a champion of Social Linguistics.
He was of great assistance to UNESCO and other international agencies interested in African languages.
He introduced a dynamic curriculum to ASTI while at the helm and also served as Deputy VC in charge of research and cooperation at the University of Buea.
Other positions he headed are. Dir of Administration in the University of Buea and was the pioneer VC of the Cameroon Christian University CCU Bali.
He retired in 2009 and has been to many and has been on many missions abroad for different Agencies.
On the eve of his Burial, there were Academic Honors in the University of Bamenda in his honor, attended by many professors across Africa and some if his Students now professors as well.
He leaves behind a big family to remember him and pride in his achievements.