In the highlands of Mount Hagen of Papua New Guinea, nestled in the vibrant town of, the Melpa language flows through the valleys like a living river—carrying with it stories, wisdom, and identity. For Dr. Michael Mel, a cultural advocate and academic, Melpa is more than a means of communication. It is the very essence of who he is.
“My native language is Melpa,” he says with pride. “It’s the language spoken in Mount Hagen. It defines who we are. It reflects our culture, our knowledge, our sense of place and history.”
For Dr. Mel, language is not just a tool—it is a lifeline to ancestry, community, and belonging. “It’s where my parents and grandparents are from. It’s where the very essence of my birth is rooted. How could I deny all of that?”
Though fluent in English and Tok Pisin, Dr. Mel’s heart beats in Melpa. “When I speak Melpa, I feel that I truly belong somewhere. It’s central to my identity.”
In Papua New Guinea, language and environment are inseparable. “Everything about my environment and my connection to it is intertwined with language,” he explains. “It’s embedded in our songs, our poetry, our daily interactions. Without a language that connects me to my environment, it would all be meaningless.”
Even as he navigates the modern world, Dr. Mel insists on the necessity of his native tongue. “I must have my own language. It’s essential. Without it, I’m nothing.”
In Melpa, as in many indigenous languages, communication is an art form. “We don’t speak directly, especially when emotions are involved,” Dr. Mel explains. “Direct speech can be seen as rude. Instead, we use poetry and imagery—what I call veiled language.”
One proverb he shares is particularly poignant: “Pouring water onto a taro leaf.” The water slides off, never soaking in. “It means that no matter how much you talk, if there’s no action, it’s meaningless. It’s a gentle but powerful way to say: don’t just talk—do.”
As a passionate advocate for language preservation, Dr. Mel believes the key lies in education. “We must teach our mother tongues in primary schools, especially in early education. It’s not just about preserving language—it’s about showing that we can learn and retain both our own languages and others.”
He acknowledges the challenges faced by the Pacific diaspora, where native languages often fade with each generation. But his message to youth is clear: “Language is a marker of identity. It shows you belong somewhere. Embrace it. Learn it. Teach it.”
Dr. Mel’s voice is one of wisdom and urgency—a reminder that language is not just about words, but about worldview. “Our languages carry the poetry, the knowledge, the values of our ancestors. They are the vessels of our identity.”
In a world that often prizes global languages over local ones, Dr. Michael Mel stands as a powerful voice for the preservation of Indigenous tongues. His message is simple, yet profound: “Without my language, I am nothing.”
