About the Author(s)
Mahnoor Talib and her partner, Eesha Afzal, both BS Physics students at Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi, have authored an insightful article examining The Role of Media in Preserving Endangered Languages and Their Associated Cultures.
Introduction:
Languages are the colourful threads that weave culture, ethnicity, traditions, and identities into the fabric of life and human expression. As the world struggles with the demanding situations of globalization and cultural homogenization, a quiet disaster is unfolding. The endangered languages and the wealthy cultural history they hold are at stake, while people remain solely unaware. In this fast-paced world, almost half of the languages or precisely 43% of languages, are at risk of going unknown, taking away the tales of their cultures and historical backgrounds to an unknown world. The gradual loss of language threatens cultural variety and endangers our shared heritage. This might lead us to think: what is the consequence of languages fading away?
Why is it given importance? The response is complex, but one thing is clear for all: the loss of language is not just a loss of language but also humanity. In these chaotic circumstances where every day, one by one, a language, a heritage takes its final breath and falls silent forever, unnoticed. In these circumstances, only one thing can come and rescue these hidden cultures and variations and expose these to human life: the media. Media plays a vital role in our daily life. We get information across the seven oceans and five continents with just a bit of scrolling or just by watching the news. Needless to say, regarding its impact on human life, we can rely on media to save these endangered languages and prevent them from embracing their last moments and spreading them across the world. The media is essential in upholding the diversity of languages worldwide and the cultural knowledge they embody, from community radio stations airing Indigenous languages to social media platforms displaying the work of language advocates.
Various innovative methods, such as storytelling, documentaries, and digital content, can be used to help preserve endangered languages. It can use a variety of creative methods like; storytelling, documentaries, and digital content to help in the revitalization of these endangered languages. Through these means, the heritage, culture and language will be exposed to a larger audience and can potentially motivate new groups of language learners and enthusiasts. Along with that, the media can also promote a greater understanding of the significance of promoting language and cultural diversity by emphasizing connections among language culture and identity. In this article we are going to dive deeper into the world of endangered languages and discover methods of modern media through which we can guard the endangered languages and the cultural significance the hold and why these matters?
Endangered languages:
Many languages around the globe are now considered endangered. Languages like Naiki (10,000 speakers) labelled as critically endangered, Phalura (8600 speakers) labelled as definitely endangered, Northern Sierra Miwok (6 speakers) labeled as critically endangered and many more like Juma (5 speakers), Yuchi (4 speakers), and Kim (20 speakers) etc. these languages are not only just endangered but on the verge of taking an entire wealth of traditions and customs with them to a silent death.
Literature Review:
The convergence of media with language preservation is a recent field of academic study that resonates from a recognition of the media as an effective form of activism for linguicide and the cultural extinction which results in language death. This literature review provides an overview of studies that have examined potential contributions by the media to existing language development and revitalization efforts from different theoretical perspectives.
Educational Media and Language Learning:
Educational media are, therefore, a crucial factor in language revival. Research studies by Hornberger, 2008 and King, 2008 showed that language learning apps and online courses as multimedia materials will increase language acquisition and literacy both among children and adults. Digitally incorporating endangered languages into school educational programs has indeed worked to increase more language ability and retention (Smith & Williams, 2012). Moreover, educational media provide proper learning contexts but also nurture a sense of belonging and identification among learners.
Cultural Promotion and Awareness:
The role of media in cultural promotion is well documented. According to Walsh (2011), media platforms such as television, radio, and online content play a key role in the promotion of cultural practices and traditional knowledge. Media enhances the level of awareness and appreciation with regard to an endangered culture by highlighting traditional stories, music, and rituals. Additionally, research has shown that such media representation may shape public belief and further encourage respect for cultural diversity, according to Rieder and Gretscher (2014).
Innovative Language Use and Modern Contexts:
Modern media has helped in new innovative uses of endangered languages. The work of Coleman and McLoughlin (2017) also links the use of social media, gaming, and digital storytelling to a sense of language relevance for younger generations. Presenting any seriously endangered language within mainstream media ensures the vitality of endangered languages while also inviting younger generations to reconsider modern ways in which they can take part and be a part of their living, but unwritten legacy.
The Media’s Role in Language Preservation:
Documentation and Archiving:
Preserving endangered languages heavily relies on the use of media as a key tool. Audio and video recordings featuring native speakers, oral histories and traditional stories play a crucial role in safeguarding languages. Documentaries, educational movies and recorded interviews offer a way to capture the subtleties of language and the richness of cultural backgrounds that could otherwise fade away. By making these materials available through platforms and digital archives they reach a worldwide audience enabling both researchers and community members to explore and support the preservation of the language.
Educational Content:
Educational media like online courses, language learning apps and instructional videos can play a significant role in language learning and can affect language literacy levels. This will help young and adult people who look to improve their language ability levels in endangered languages. These languages can be incorporated into school curricula and community centers ensuring the engagement of young generations to sustain their linguistic heritage.
Cultural Promotion:
Media also has the ability to promote activities associated with endangered language cultures. Awareness and appreciation of those cultures are developed through television, radio, and the Internet using traditional music, tales, and rituals. This not only helps to save the culture but also helps in building self-esteem and identity of the speakers and the community at large.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
Social media barriers and the civil organization pages contribute to the reunion of the speakers of the minority languages allowing them to collaborate and fight for their rights. Such activities promote the growth of bottom-up movements where activists and organizations committed to language preservation are given a platform. Language restoration initiatives can receive help from crowdsourcing activities and other online fundraising activities.
Innovative Language Use:
Modern media can help enhance languages that are on the verge of extinction. For instance, social networking, gaming and digital storytelling allow speakers to use their languages within modern frameworks. Here, through media, the speakers themselves emphasize the need for one’s language to be enjoyable, especially to the younger generation.
Challenges and Considerations:
Despite the positive impact of the media, several challenges must be addressed. Accessibility to technology and the internet varies significantly across different regions, potentially limiting the reach of digital preservation efforts. Additionally, the commercial pressures of mainstream media may prioritize dominant languages, potentially overshadowing endangered languages.
Moreover, ethical considerations about the representation of endangered cultures and languages are crucial. Media creators must ensure respectful and correct portrayals, avoiding exploitation or misrepresentation. Collaborating with native speakers and cultural experts is important to keep validity and cultural understanding.
Conclusion:
The significance of media, therefore, is beyond question. Many know that media is an unmistakable vehicle for the documentation, preservation, and restoration of semi-preserved world languages and cultural traditions. It offers ways to document and educate as well as promote culture and advocate for communities. However, it is also important to provide solutions to problems discussed in the earlier section to improve the use of media for the purpose of language preservation. Guarding against stereotypes, further exploration of innovative media to manage endangered languages and cultural heritage is needed.
References:
• Coleman, D., & McLoughlin, C. (2017). New Media and Language Preservation: Innovative Approaches. Routledge.
• Hornberger, N. H. (2008). Envisioning Language: Education for Endangered Languages. Routledge.
• King, K. A. (2008). Language Revitalization in Practice. Multilingual Matters.
• Rieder, J., & Gretscher, E. (2014). Media and Cultural Awareness: The Role of Broadcasting in Language Preservation. Journal of Cultural Studies, 6(2), 78-92.
• Smith, P., & Williams, M. (2012). Educational Media and Language Acquisition: A Review. Language Education Research Journal, 5(3), 112-128.
• Walsh, R. (2011). Broadcasting Culture: Media’s Role in Cultural Promotion. Media & Society, 7(1), 66-79.
