Save the diminishing linguistic wealth
The world is indeed alarmed by the increasing destruction of biodiversity. However, another grappling problem, which perhaps has not received much attention is the gradual loss of world’s languages and culture.
About hundred ethnic mother tongues of Nepal are on the verge of extinction.
To streamline the discourse on languages, social anthropologist
and linguist Mark Turin, in the new Talking Points series of
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
titled: Linguistic Diversity and the Preservation of Endangered Languages (2007) throws up a pertinent issue of the need to preserve the minority languages and cultures in Nepal and Himalayan regions.
ICIMOD has been engaged in providing a sustainable environment for the mountain populations to improve their development status.
In an attempt to highlight the unnoticed problematic themes of the
mountainous regions, this publication situates language in the larger
social context with crucial bearing on sustainable livelihood.
The author emphasises the need to locate the debate on preserving
linguistic diversity within wider discussions on gender, equity,
conflict and governance. Turin argues that loss of linguistic and
cultural diversity is analogous to threat of extinction of species.
Recent international research points to an intriguing link between
biological and linguistic diversity and how preserving minority
languages would also help to preserve minority cultures, as well as
bring attention to the need to improve their socioeconomic and
political status.
The book also invokes policy initiatives to raise awareness about
the importance of language protection programmes that support mother
tongue literacy and educational reforms to preserve language and
culture.
