Topic: 2024-Indigenous Languages
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Delegate Name: Julia Serraiocco
Indigenous languages are found in many countries, both with larger and smaller populations. The people in Syria evolved from several indigenous origins over a long period of time. Indigenous languages are spoken and known all over Syria such as many Semitic languages. More recently, indigenous languages have been a point of concern because they are a significant part of the cultural heritage and identity of various ethnic groups in Syria.
Syria contains various cultural groups. The largest being Arabs, but there are also significant populations of Kurds, Turkmen, Circassian, Assyrians, and Armenians. Each of these cultural groups have their own traditions, languages, and histories which contribute to the diversity of Syria. Sunni Muslims account for about three-fourths of Syria’s Muslim population.
The native language in Syria is Arabic. Arabic has evolved over thousands of years due to the country’s longer and complex history. Ancient civilizations in Syria have influenced early languages, the main influence being Aramaic, which was a prominent language in the 8th century BCE. Aramaic has a long history in Syria being widely used for communication across various empires. Aramaic continued its use well into the early centuries of the Common Era and is still used to this day by a small percentage of people in Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Indigenous languages are an important part of Syria’s cultural heritage and identity. These indigenous languages carry historical significance as well as traditional knowledge and the uniqueness of Syrian culture. The loss of these indigenous languages would result in the loss of cultural diversity and connection to the country’s history.
Maintaining these languages is important to Syria and many communities in the country. The Syrian government, as well as various cultural organizations, have shown high interest in protecting indigenous languages. Preserving languages like Aramaic is part of protecting cultural identities and traditions, which aligns with the UN’s goals of peace and understanding among different cultures. Efforts initiated by these organizations and the government contain educational programs and work to support communities that speak these languages to ensure they are not lost. Implementing these initiatives will ensure the country’s cultural diversity and heritage are not lost. Syria hopes our communities will work towards saving indigenous languages by encouraging efforts to preserve and promote linguistic diversity.
Works cited
https://stj-sy.org/en/killing-mother-tongues-as-a-form-of-the-continued-cultural-genocide/
https://www.britannica.com/place/Syria/Settlement-patterns
https://www.newarab.com/analysis/preserving-syrias-linguistic-heritage-internationally-new-dictionary
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aramaic-languag
