Activists Unite to Preserve Endangered Languages Amid Global Threat

As the world faces a looming crisis with half of its 7,000 languages predicted to vanish in the coming decades, activists are mobilizing to combat this trend through innovative online tools, according to an article by The Guardian. The pace of language loss has accelerated significantly, with a language disappearing every 40 days as reported by UNESCO.

Communities worldwide are responding to this urgent threat, particularly in regions where dominant languages overshadow local dialects. For instance, Tochi Precious, an advocate for the Igbo language in Nigeria, emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of language preservation. She notes that the extinction of a language equates to the loss of its associated culture and identity.

In India, Amrit Sufi is documenting the Angika language through videos, highlighting the importance of oral traditions that are increasingly at risk as younger generations gravitate towards mainstream media. Despite Angika having around 7 million speakers, its limited use in formal settings poses a challenge to its survival.

Organizations like Wikitongues are playing a crucial role by providing resources for activists to document and share their languages. They have facilitated the documentation of approximately 700 languages, utilizing platforms like Wikipedia for broader accessibility.

For the Rohingya people, efforts to create a written form of their predominantly oral language have gained momentum, with textbooks using the newly developed Hanifi script being distributed in refugee camps in Bangladesh. This initiative aims to preserve their cultural identity and enhance educational opportunities for younger generations.

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain in encouraging communities to actively use and pass down their languages. Many parents, influenced by societal pressures, prioritize dominant languages like English over indigenous tongues. However, activists like Precious are optimistic, believing that community efforts can revitalize endangered languages and ensure their survival for future generations.