The world's linguistic diversity is under threat. Of the 7,000 existing languages, many are disappearing at an alarming rate: one language is lost every 40 days, equating to about nine per year. According to UNESCO, forecasts that half of the world's languages will be lost by the century's end are, in fact, optimistic. However, behind these alarming figures, communities, activists, and organizations are tirelessly working to preserve not only words but also the cultures and histories that depend on them.
The loss of a language goes beyond linguistic change; it implies the disappearance of the associated history and culture. As noted by Nigerian activist Tochi Precious, involved in the preservation of Igbo, 'when a language dies, everything related to it also disappears: the people, the history, and the culture.'
The causes of this crisis are varied. Firstly, many languages have ceased to be used at home, while in formal settings, such as schools or workplaces, they are replaced by dominant languages like English or Hindi. This creates a dynamic where minority languages are relegated, considered 'less useful' or stigmatized, as is the case with Angika in India. According to activist Amrit Sufi, who works to preserve this language, many speakers feel ashamed to use it, accelerating its decline.
Moreover, growing globalization has homogenized music, films, and educational systems, further eroding the intergenerational transmission of languages. As Sufi explains, 'oral culture is disappearing because younger generations prefer to consume industrially produced music instead of gathering in groups to sing.'
In response to this situation, a wave of linguistic activism is gaining momentum. Organizations like Wikitongues and platforms like Wikipedia are playing a crucial role in providing resources to document and preserve endangered languages. To date, Wikitongues has helped record around 700 languages, including notable examples like Igbo, Angika, and Rohingya.
The preservation of a language begins with its documentation. Activists like Amrit Sufi have recorded dozens of videos in Angika, transcribing and translating popular songs to prevent them from being forgotten. 'It is urgent to document and make it accessible so that others can see it, not just archive it in a library,' explains Sufi.
In Nigeria, Tochi Precious leads a similar effort with Igbo, using digital platforms to create records of words, meanings, and usage forms. These tools preserve the language and facilitate the creation of dictionaries and educational resources.
Another key strategy has been the creation of written materials for languages that previously existed only orally. In the case of the Rohingya, a displaced community primarily living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, the Hanifi alphabet was developed. With this writing system, books have been distributed in over 500 schools within the camps. Sahat Zia Hero, a member of the Rohingya Cultural Memory Center, emphasizes that these books preserve the language and also allow children to access education.
While documentation is an essential step, the final preservation depends on communities re-embracing their languages. This is one of the biggest challenges, especially when languages are perceived as useless or worthless compared to dominant languages. Precious explains that in Nigeria, parents stopped teaching Igbo because 'they believed that if you do not speak English, you do not belong, you are not part of society.'
However, educational and community campaigns have begun to reverse this perception. The integration of native languages into schools, community radios, and social networks is restoring a sense of pride and cultural connection to communities. Precious celebrates the revival of Igbo, stating: 'Definitely, Igbo is not going extinct.'
Despite the progress, numerous challenges remain. Funding preservation projects continues to be difficult, especially in marginalized communities. Additionally, the use of technology raises ethical dilemmas. Some artificial intelligence tools that promise to automate linguistic documentation face criticism for the potential 'theft' of written materials used to train algorithms.
Nevertheless, activists continue to find innovative ways to preserve languages and promote their use. From digital libraries to social networks, these tools document the past and help envision a future where linguistic diversity is valued and protected.