Ethnic diversity is linguistic diversity
The native language of any ethnic group, however small it is, encapsulates the combined thoughts and experiences of that people. The much lauded 'ethnic diversity' that we hear a lot of nowadays is not merely about tolerating people who look different to ourselves: We must also accept those cultural elements which are unique to them as a people and marks them as human beings, especially their language. If not, the drive for ethnic diversity is a sham which is really only about assimilating smaller groups into the greater homogenous body of mankind. Those who wish to see a genuine acceptance and respect of ethnic diversity will support the preservation of minority tongues, which, after all, are a valuable part of our human culture in general.
Sent by: Seamus
Comments
I don't think languages are only a mean of communication. Languages are part of a culture and they bring much more information about this culture than we believe it does. Some word are not only a specific expression of thoughts or emotions,but they are also bringing a meaning and significance to old traditions, believes and history.
About the competing forces at work that Mr. Howard argues for, I have to say to him that not everything should be decided on the basses of its practicalities, its business values and so on. Business and practicality is the Europa-centric view and values and to talk about them as universal is just another Ideology.
However, I don't argue that we should try to preserve every single dialect in the world, but rather that we should be more sensitive about different languages.
Those who maintain that the survival of any language should be determined by some kind of "free market" are being disingenuous. The insidious tentacles of the "global economy" reach everywhere, at first enticing and subsequently creating dependancy. What chance does any small cultural backwater have in the face of this onslaught ? Its not like you can go into a bank and open a letter of credit in even as well established a language as Welsh. When the international greed fest is on a roll, no culture is safe. Minor languages are merely bumps in the road - inconveniences to be removed as soon as possible to ensure the continuance of a smooth ride.
Ancient and indigenous languages are important links to cultural identity. They are links too in measuring ancestry and associations with other cultures and historic events including natural disasters, conquered peoples, migration patterns, and unique scientific wisdom.
There is more than one reason for preserving indigenous languages. World views and perspective are conveyed quite differently in different languages. Often one is aware of the fact, "There is no English equivalent to convey that thought or expression...." Allowing a language to die is to deny history and to disrespect a culture and the people who express it and their contribution to our present-day world.
Languages are organic and like all living things the wider the range of diversity the healthier and stronger the ecosystems. It is not healthy or wise to live in a monoculture.
Language links the individual with the landscape, the past, present and the people.
Some intangible elements of a place or culture can only be expressed or retained through the language used. A language gives a sense of place and belonging.
There is a saying in Manx that fits well:-
"Gyn Chengey, Gyn Cheer"
Without a language, Without a country
I feel by being able to speak more than one language that I can see the world through different windows. I feel this helps me value the similarities between people and also be interested in our differences.
Language is to impart information and ideas to others, it is not to confuse or to form an elite club, dead or dying language should be left 'in peace' and not resurected or supported, they die because they are complex un used or top heavy.
Language and means of communication are constantly evolving, and with the fast paced lives we now live in, the speed at which these evolutions in our means of communications, whether it be the spoken words we use, the words we write or the electronic messages we end out, are happening all the time.
I think endangered languages need to be recorded and documented, but also be left to die, as we need to understand that it is a part of evolution. We are constantly creating new words and other forms of communication which take the place of those lost languages.
Governments should respect and enhance the linguistic diversity of its peoples.
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