Abstract
This study invites to reflect on different languages in danger of extinction. For this reason, concrete examples of languages in different parts of the world are stated. Also, the correlation between the areas with the greatest degree of biological diversity and the areas with the greatest linguistic diversity is mentioned; diversity mostly represented by indigenous languages. These as well as all languages in the world have the capacity to transform and adapt to new circumstances, that is, they are able to accommodate and respond to different communicative needs. Nonetheless, there are many languages that continue to be threatened due to various economic and socio-political factors that damage “the web of life” which is an expression to refer to the inextricable link that exists between biodiversity and cultural diversity, that is, biocultural diversity. The proliferation of research, policies and initiatives with a biocultural approach have made it possible to argue that the foundation of the web of life is diversity in nature, languages, and cultures. This should motivate the search for strategies that support linguistic and cultural diversity, for example, through education, the school and the teacher; a teacher who acts as a mediator and fosters intercultural communication. It is concluded that today more than ever quality education that embraces students’ linguistic and cultural richness is needed.
Presenters
Karla Del Carpio OvandoProfessor, Department of World Languages and Cultures, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Communications and Linguistic Studies
KEYWORDS
DIVERSITY, EDUCATION, ENDANGERED LANGUAGES, INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
