About Mother Language
Language Revitalization Projects
Photo by Paul Sloane
Many specialists and people working in the field have noted that our linguistic diversity is threatened by the loss of languages. To fight the problem, a number of promising projects have emerged; projects that document, revitalize and maintain languages, both in remote areas and in urban environments.
As a great local example, the Department of Canadian Heritage has created the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI), which has the objective to support the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages for the benefit of Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians. The program supports and funds projects and activities that support the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages and cultures.
Another interesting development is the Endangered Language Alliance (ELA) in New York City. It is unique in the way, that it focuses on the linguistic diversity of urban areas, languages which have been brought into the area through immigration, and that are threatened by lack of education or speaking opportunities.
On the contrary National Geographic is maintaing a project called Enduring Voices, which strives to document the most endangered languages on our planet. The documentation takes place through audio (and video) recordings, which are compiled to talking dictionaries. Subject are languages spoken in remote areas all over the globe, which are threatened to die by lack of native speakers.
