International Indigenous Language Decade Launches in 2022

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the International Decade of Indigenous Languages beginning in 2022. The launch of this event occurred on December 13, 2022 in Paris. The Decade “aims to ensure the indigenous peoples’ rights to preserve, revitalize, and promote their languages” (UESCO, 2022).

The decade is also meant to focus attention on the decline of many indigenous languages and the fact that others are at risk of extinction. UNESCO reports that over the next decade the world may lose half its languages. Most of the languages expected to be lost will be indigenous languages. Preservation and maintenance efforts are crucial to help prevent the expected loss of these languages. You can learn more about the International Indigenous Language Decade and view videos of the opening ceremonies here.

Photo Credit: Ian Macharia on Unsplash.