The value of indigenous languages comes from the sentimental value they hold for the specific group of people that speak it. For example, the Nenet people living on the coast of the Kara Sea in the Arctic Circle, connect their language with their traditional 400 year old, reindeer-herding lifestyle. Their language is a big part of their lifestyle and traditions, something that they want to keep. For them, preserving their language holds them back, because its part of a bigger problem; the divide between tradition and keeping up with the rest of the world.
Value can also come from, not only the people speaking it, but onlookers and other people outside of the in-group. For example the Aboriginals in Australia have an ancient language and traditions that can be useful and valuable to others. the vocabulary of the aboriginals includes the names of plants and animals native to Australia. this knowledge can help botanist learn more about the certain plants and their properties, because it is obvious that a group of people living in a place for thousands of years would definitely develop some sort of idea of how the plants work.
but despite the sentimental value or the possible idea that it could be useful to the outside world, I think that there really isn't any use in preserving languages. time goes on and humans evolve and change and learn new things, and the world is becoming more connected. if a groups language is dying out then ultimately isn't it meant to be? if that language cannot survive globalization then there is no need for it. its a waste of time to try and teach and "raise awareness" for it. holding onto things that are dying, just for the sentiment, is childish and needs to stop.
Comments
Post a Comment