The world’s indigenous languages are under threat of disappearing, with one language dying every two weeks and many more at risk. One fifth of the world’s more than 7,000 languages will be dormant or dead by the end of the century, with more than 40% already considered endangered.
Why is it so important to worry about at-risk and endangered languages?
Because language is central to human existence and represents entire worldviews and ways of thinking. The beauty of the culture, stories, and different ways of life should be preserved and celebrated.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 11, we invite you to learn more about four people fighting to reclaim their Indigenous languages.
Ladino
Ian Pomerantz is a classical musician, musicologist, hyperpolyglot, and a heritage speaker of Ladino. He also speaks Yiddish, Hebrew, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. He began his work in Judeo-Spanish language reclamation by researching his family’s origins in the Balkans and their immigrant experience in the United States during the 20th Century. Ian is a member of Ladinokomunita, a global correspondence circle completely in Ladino, The Sephardic Brotherhood of America, Sephardic Heritage International, DC, and is a contributor to El Amaneser, the world’s only surviving Ladino-language newspaper still in continuous print. Ian is devoted to preserving and transmitting Judeo-Spanish language through its rich song repertoire, and can be heard in concerts of this precious tradition across the United States.
Watch the interview with Ian below learn more about Ladino language reclamation:
Irish
Eoin Ó Conchúir started Bitesize Irish in 2009 with the idea of learning Irish in “bitesize pieces” to encourage those interested in the language. Now, they have a community of over 40k on YouTube where they post educational videos and hold live events, as well as memberships that include lessons, and open forums with live discussions designed for more active learners to connect with the team directly when practicing their Irish.
Watch our interview with Bitesize Irish to learn more about what they do and how you can get involved in the Irish language reclamation:
Taíno
As a writer, artist, teacher, and language nerd at heart, Priscilla Colón shares her passion for education, working on language programs for 20 years.
As co-founder of Casa Areyto, her mission is to promote the Taíno language and culture (assumed lost for 500+ years).
Her YouTube channel offers educational videos as well as live events, while her children’s books (available in Spanish and English) help kids connect with the natural world, hone observational and other skills, and develop self-esteem, all while learning the Taíno language!
Watch our interview with Priscilla to learn more about how you can get involved in the Taíno language reclamation:
7000 Languages is a non-profit that helps Indigenous communities around the world teach, learn and sustain their languages through technology.
They have already created 37 courses featuring 20 languages, including Ojibwe, Dakota, Naskapi, and Balinese.
Their belief is that when you help a community protect their language, you aren’t just protecting words – you’re protecting their cultural identity as well as their well-being.
Watch our interview with Stephanie to learn more about 7000 Language's incredible work supporting Indigenous communities: