Indigenous languages facing negligence, risk of extinction (fwd link)

[Phil Cash Cash]

Created on August 14, 2013 at 02:06Indigenous languages facing negligence,
risk of extinction
Muktasree Chakma Sathi
The lack of preservation initiatives may expedite the process of their
extinction

The government is yet to take concrete measures to preserve the country’s
endangered languages, especially those spoken by the indigenous people, and
protect the rights of linguistic minorities.

The problem persists despite the fact that there is a government
institution with the particular responsibility to take care of endangered
and near extinct languages. The International Mother Language Institute
(IMLI) was launched on March 15, 2001 and the label “international” meant
that its area of work and research would include languages and linguistic
heritages of other countries as well.

According to sources, other than the Bangalees, there are at least 45
groups of people indigenous to the country, with an approximate number of
30 languages spoken. Experts say many of these languages have no standard
written forms, meaning the history, tradition, wisdom and knowledge of
these communities are passed on orally. The lack of preservation
initiatives may expedite the process of their extinction, but equally
importantly as pointed out by Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary of
Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum would also stand opposed to the
linguistic rights enshrined within the constitution.

Access full article below:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2013/aug/14/indigenous-languages-facing-negligence-risk-extinction
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