Indigenous Languages Year 2019

At a high-level event to mark the global launch of the International Year of Indigenous Languages today (01 Feb), the President of the General Assembly, María Fernanda Espinosa said indigenous languages “are unique systems of knowledge and understanding of the world” and are “invaluable for humanity.” Espinosa said, “languages are much more than communication tools, they are human heritage channels.” She said, “they are treasures, loaded with history, values, literature, spirituality, perspectives, and knowledge developed through millennia.” The President of Bolivia, President, Bolivia, Evo Morales Ayma, who was born to Aymara nation family, demanded that in the International Year of Indigenous Languages “the linguistic cultural dimension of indigenous peoples is recognized.” He said, “language represents identity and culture. At the same time, it represents the symbology and the ideology of the peoples. It is part of the most valued treasures our ancestors have left us.” Also addressing the event, Akile Ch’oh, Grand Chief Edward John, of the Tl’azt’en Nation and First Nation Summit, said, “the proposed indigenous languages outcome document for 2019 should include the diet and proactive involvement of indigenous peoples and be the platform which provides the necessary commitment and proactive measures to ensure the continuous survival, dignity, well-being, and revitalization of indigenous languages.” The Year encourages countries to renew their commitment to preserve, promote and revitalize indigenous languages. It also calls for strengthening many standard-setting tools adopted by the international community, including specific provisions to promote indigenous languages.