Topic: 2024-Indigenous Languages
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Andrew Gerrits
In a world where communication is of the utmost importance, language is our most valuable tool, and when 40% of all languages are considered indigenous it is vital to protect them. Whether from discriminatory practices in legislation and education, or a rise in culturally dominant languages many Indigenous languages face extinction. The delegation of Guyana believes this committee must explore every solution to protect not just the several vibrant and unique indigenous communities and languages in Guyana but also around the globe.
The UN has worked continuously to address the issue of the disappearance of indigenous languages. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues has called for action on the issue since as early as 2003, including recommending UN country offices as well as local governments to publish materials in indigenous languages. UNESCO has also done work to preserve indigenous language and culture, such as creating language and cultural centers in universities as well as leading the “International Year of Indigenous Languages” in 2019 that sought to fund and draw attention to indigenous languages and their preservation.
The preservation of Indigenous languages is a top priority for Guyana, so much so that it is enshrined in the constitution (article 149G) and Guyana has made a commitment to protect its 9 indigenous languages. Much of the work in Guyana to protect indigenous languages is through community, such as creating radio and TV stations in Indigenous languages, holding indigenous festivals, and investing in education such as summer language schools, and different books in indigenous languages. In the words of Dr. George Norton (former MP of the Guianan parliament) “The effects of colonization took its toll and eventually, much of what was indigenous, faded, however, we cannot allow the language and culture to die.”
The delegation of Guyana believes that the best solution to prevent the disappearance of Indigenous languages is to instill Indigenous languages into education and community, this can be done by continuing the work the UN has done to help preserve indigenous languages, and by implementing policies like the ones in Guyana to help reinstill the language into indigenous cultures.
