Blog Post 11 - Speaking in tongues
What is the value of preserving indigenous languages?
For example: Consider aboriginal languages with rich vocabularies used to describe the natural world
It is important to preserve indigenous languages because often times a particular language can be derived from a dying language. Thus creates a different and sensible meaning. Having said, this will broaden the vocabulary of the language and allow a larger scale of dialects. Depending where the language is geographically from, those people will eventually lose a sense of identity or cultural value. Language can represent a particular culture's values for instance, nobility and loyalty. Even though a particular culture does not need a language, it is still a great tool to give a sense of connection within that community. When an aboriginal language is endangered or extincted, linguist has less capabilities to obtain information from that specific language. As the language dies, so does some values and aspects from a culture (specific culture that the language is identified with), and thus does not provide enough insights to share with the public.
By not obtaining indigenous languages will result in less bilingualism, and therefore have no benefits (like learning new skills, and being comprehensive.) As many children are seen to be bilinguals, it is important for them to know their identity and culture and keep the language 'alive', because children are to be seen as individuals whom are gradually able to pick up a language easily and teach it easily but in a different dialect.
For example: Consider aboriginal languages with rich vocabularies used to describe the natural world
It is important to preserve indigenous languages because often times a particular language can be derived from a dying language. Thus creates a different and sensible meaning. Having said, this will broaden the vocabulary of the language and allow a larger scale of dialects. Depending where the language is geographically from, those people will eventually lose a sense of identity or cultural value. Language can represent a particular culture's values for instance, nobility and loyalty. Even though a particular culture does not need a language, it is still a great tool to give a sense of connection within that community. When an aboriginal language is endangered or extincted, linguist has less capabilities to obtain information from that specific language. As the language dies, so does some values and aspects from a culture (specific culture that the language is identified with), and thus does not provide enough insights to share with the public.
By not obtaining indigenous languages will result in less bilingualism, and therefore have no benefits (like learning new skills, and being comprehensive.) As many children are seen to be bilinguals, it is important for them to know their identity and culture and keep the language 'alive', because children are to be seen as individuals whom are gradually able to pick up a language easily and teach it easily but in a different dialect.
Hi Keasha,
ReplyDeleteYour blog post was interesting and refreshing to read. I especially agree with your statement that "many children ... keep the language 'alive'". This dilemma was was also seen in material from the Linguists documentary. Some bilingual students were sent to boarding school, and were punished for speaking their native tongue. This caused them to feel embarrassed and essentially lead them to quit talking their mother tongue. The Linguists also stated that you do not have to lose another language while learning another one. However, when this does happen, it is irreversible and has fatal consequences to the indigenous language, culture and identity of that tribe.Good job!
Hi Keasha,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comment you made about how new languages can be derived from a dying one, as there are many languages used today worldwide that have aided in providing certain 'words' or terminology that can be used, such as scientific words that have originated from Greek or Latin. As we saw, the Chulym language had words for thousands of different plants, that even english have not learnt to recognise, and i think that if we make the effort to lean from the locals, it would bring about new medicinal break throughs as well as having new words added into the english language. Good job!
Hi Keasha, I found your blog really interesting and unique and it gave me a different perspective I never actually thought of, I really like how you incorporated the video ideas in your blog, Do you really think endangered languages are as important as its made to look since no one really speaks it and therefore doesnt help in the modern world.
ReplyDelete