In Nuadda we do not stop talking about globalization and its consequences, both positive and negative for the world in which we live. One of the problems it causes is the excessive cultural homogenization and, therefore, linguistic. This loss of diversity is really negative for the richness of our languages. How can the translation help protect endangered languages?
Are there really endangered languages currently?
some worrying statistics
Currently, up to 40% of the languages Existing on our planet are in danger of extinction according to UNESCO data. It is true that in most cases, these languages are used by very small groups, tribes or very specific ethnic groups. This poses a much greater risk by being more exposed to a drastic fall in its population that leads to the disappearance of its language.
It is important to note that, although innumerable languages have been lost throughout our history, we must not disdain the cultural importance of each of them..
What are the factors that put a language at risk?
As we mentioned in the introduction, globalization has caused some societies to have moved away from their native language. This factor also has a lot to do with the colonization of the 19th century, where some countries imposed their language in the countries they exploited.
Urbanization is also a key risk factor for minority languages, since as more and more people approach cities, very distinctive languages or dialects are lost. We have the best example in Spain, where Asturia has fewer and fewer speakers in the Asturias region as an effect of the movement of its citizens towards the largest cities and towns..
Another factor that puts some languages at risk is education, also globalized, where the study of “universal” languages is imposed, such as Spanish, English or French, for example). All these conditions cause each generation to lose more cultural identity and, therefore, gradually move away from their ancestral languages.
This is how not only languages disappear, but also a rich and heterogeneous cultural heritage.
What capacity does the translation have to avoid this?
Promotion of bilingualism
As we say, education is one of the pillars that sustains the survival of a language. It is capable of promoting an exponential increase of speakers of a language in terms of a generation, but it is also capable of the opposite effect.
For this reason, it is crucial to bet on the bilingualism of the official language and the endangered language in all areas of education (classes, books, resources, etc.), as it happens in regions of our country, where this promotion of co-official languages is maintained. Safeguard your future and prevent your disappearance.
On the other hand, the creation of dictionaries and grammatical records is also essential to record all the orthographic rules of the language, in addition to facilitating the learning of said language.
Technology and digitization: the great modern allies
One of the great advantages that current digital technology offers us is the possibility of easily recording and distributing all these languages in danger. This, which we take for granted today, could have prevented the disappearance of innumerable languages throughout history due to the lack of records.
The new platforms and digital tools also allow you to translate content in these languages in real time or even listen to videos in that language that drive interest in it.
Success stories saving endangered languages
The renaissance of Hebrew
Hebrew has been one of the most important languages for the transmission of culture and one of the axes of one of the oldest areas of human civilization. This ancient language was on the verge of disappearance for many years until, thanks to its promotion in education, culture and politics.
These efforts have paid off and, today, the Hebrew has come to count on millions of speakers.
Translation projects in indigenous languages
Currently there are many projects of translation of indigenous languages that pursue their maintenance and salvation. Specifically, Latin America is being the subject of a multitude of studies in this direction.
The translation initiatives of old texts, as well as the promotion of literature translated into these languages are becoming more and more common. In this way, it is intended to strengthen the presence of these languages in daily life.
Why is it so important to act now?
preservation of world cultural diversity
Cultural diversity is an invaluable aspect of humanity. Although globalization brings great benefits to us, we must ensure that each people’s identity is preserved to prevent the differences and characteristics from disappearing..
Each language is a true reflection of every culture and the history of a people. Losing a language means losing the complete vision of a historical stage and a certain civilization. In other words, it is an irreparable loss for human culture..
maintenance of linguistic wealth
A language is not only a reflection of the history and culture of a people. Each language contains unique features in terms of grammatical structures, phonemes and sounds or even concepts that may not exist in other languages Coming from ways of seeing the antagonistic world.
Therefore, the possible loss of a language impoverishes the global culture, simplifying our languages and increasingly homogenizing our vision of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an endangered language?
An endangered language is one that runs the risk of not being spoken by future generations and, therefore, disappearing. These languages usually have a declining number of speakers and are not being transmitted to young people.
2. Why is it important to preserve these languages?
Each language represents an accumulation of stories, traditions and knowledge. By losing a language, we lose an irreplaceable part of the cultural and linguistic diversity of humanity.
3. How can the general public help the preservation of a language?
The public can support translation and conservation initiatives, learn about these languages, and use digital platforms that promote them. In addition, support for speaking communities, whether through education or responsible tourism, can make a difference.
4. What benefits does technology bring in this mission?
Technology facilitates the documentation, teaching and promotion of languages. Digital tools allow people from all over the world to access and learn about languages that would otherwise be inaccessible.
