SDLC 105: Discussion Post #8

[Casey Murano]

A language dies when people stop speaking and using the language, especially if it is not written down. This is the case for many indigenous languages, in communities that prioritize the oral tradition.  I admit that I did not realize the importance of preserving endangered languages until being in the self-direct language acquisition program. I used to think of language as a vehicle for communication, and in an increasingly globalized world, having a shared language seemed central to developing relationships across cultures. But as I have been studying Indigenous peoples in my geography class and for my senior thesis art project coupled with the readings for this class, I have come across the recurring theme that local languages do matter. The way our languages are structured in turn shapes our worldviews. When Native Americans were forced to go to boarding schools and learn English, they lost a part of their culture. A language dies when people stop speaking and using the language, especially if it is not written down. This is the case for many indigenous languages, in communities that prioritize the oral tradition.  I admit that I did not realize the importance of preserving endangered languages until being in the self-direct language acquisition program. I used to think of language as a vehicle for communication, and in an increasingly globalized world, having a shared language seemed central to developing relationships across cultures. But as I have been studying Indigenous peoples in my geography class and for my senior thesis art project coupled with the readings for this class, I have come across the recurring theme that local languages do matter. The way our languages are structured in turn shapes our worldviews. When Native Americans were forced to go to boarding schools and learn English, they lost a part of their culture.  We talked about the iceberg model of culture a couple weeks ago but after learning about endangered languages, I have a better grasp of what it means for culture to be more than the traditional artifacts. As the video noted, language is a cultural artifact older and more complex than any of the paintings, architecture that we associate with the epitome of culture. It holds nuances and the values of the community. Thinking about the values that culture holds helps me realize then the role that artists play. As an artist, I don’t want to just paint pretty pictures to hang on walls. I want to play a part in shaping the culture, which is important. At this current moment, we have an opportunity to shift. We can listen to the Indigenous voices, support their cultures, protect their languages, which helps us to have a reciprocal rather than exploitative relationship with the land. I recently read a poem by Natalie Diaz called “The First River is the Body.” In this work, she explores the limits of translation concerning how her culture sees bodies and rivers. Reading poetry reminds me that language is beyond utilitarian and provides a glimpse into the human condition and culture.  The article showed that technology, while perhaps a big reason that languages simplify into shared ones, is also a tool for making the languages accessible and bringing them back to life. When people have access to the vocabulary, they are more likely to learn new languages. Linguists are doing many research projects to digitally document these endangered languages so that we do not lose them forever.  I’m wondering what an ideal world would look like in terms of language. There is certainly reason to preserve the many languages, but do they need to be functional in society, or more of a traditional token? Which languages have priority? Should there be a common global language? And are the common ones of English, Mandarin, Spanish the best ones?  One key is probably to focus on locality. If there is a local Indigenous community near my town, schools could offer language and cultural courses in that particular language. My local high school could have opportunities for community-based learning, to learn from indigenous perspectives, to understand the history of the land. Having a place-based curriculum in schools could make language not just a tool for practical communication but a key to understanding our relationship with the world.