The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the decade 2022-2032 as the international decade of Indigenous Language. Globally about 40 percent of the languages spoken in the world are at risk of extinction, and a large share of those are Indigenous languages. In the words of the United Nations, “Indigenous languages add to the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be a poorer place.”
This declaration comes following the International Year of Indigenous Languages (2019), which passed with relatively little public awareness. It also follows a period of great strife for Indigenous language communities worldwide, as the Covid-19 pandemic has tragically taken the lives of many native speakers and elders. The need for large-scale action has never been more pertinent.
AILDI is dedicated to fostering an environment where Indigenous language experts, activists, teachers, students, and others can collaborate with each other on projects to contribute to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. We even manage a digital repository for information, events, and content relating to UNESCO's International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Check it out by clicking the link below!