2019 was declared the International Year of Indigenous Languages by UNESCO / UNESCO has proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages
· Cultureblog
International Years are an important cooperation mechanism intended to raise awareness of a subject or theme of global interest, as well as to mobilize different stakeholders to coordinate action worldwide.
In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages, based on a recommendation of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
The Permanent Forum stated at the time that 40% of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken worldwide were in danger of disappearing. The fact that they are mostly indigenous languages puts the cultures and knowledge systems to which they belong at risk.
Moreover, in the countries where they live, indigenous peoples are often politically and socially isolated because of the geographical location of their communities and the distinct nature of their histories, cultures, languages and traditions.
Yet, not only do indigenous peoples play a leading role in protecting the environment, but their languages constitute complex systems of knowledge and communication that should be recognized as a strategic national resource for development, peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Furthermore, indigenous peoples promote unique local cultures, customs and values that are thousands of years old. Their languages enrich the mosaic of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be poorer.
The celebration of the 2019 International Year will help promote and protect indigenous languages and improve the lives of those who speak them. It will contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This celebration should also strengthen the many normative instruments adopted by the international community that contain specific provisions to promote and protect languages.
An International Year is an important cooperation mechanism dedicated to raising awareness of a particular topic or theme of global interest or concern, and mobilizing different players for coordinated action around the world.
In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, based on a recommendation by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
At the time, the Forum said that 40 per cent of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken around the world were in danger of disappearing. The fact that most of these are indigenous languages puts the cultures and knowledge systems to which they belong at risk.
In addition, indigenous peoples are often isolated both politically and socially in the countries they live in, by the geographical location of their communities, their separate histories, cultures, languages and traditions.
And yet, they are not only leaders in protecting the environment, but their languages represent complex systems of knowledge and communication and should be recognized as a strategic national resource for development, peace building and reconciliation.
They also foster and promote unique local cultures, customs and values which have endured for thousands of years. Indigenous languages add to the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be a poorer place.
Celebrating IYIL2019 will help promote and protect indigenous languages and improve the lives of those who speak them. It will contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
The celebration is also expected to strengthen and reinforce the many standard-setting tools adopted by the international community which include specific provisions to promote and protect languages.