Topic: Preservation of Endangered Languages
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Kara Hamann
School: Kalamazoo Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Switzerland position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
Switzerland realizes that many of its languages are becoming endangered. This poses as a threat because linguists are realizing that these languages contain a type of knowledge beyond a different set of words and grammar. Although many people think it would be easier to have a limited amount of languages spoken in the world, it's actually hurting some countries. That is why Switzerland's federal constitution created a law that aims at preserving them as a multicultural country.
Switzerland has four main national languages: German, French, Italian, and Rumansch. Six languages in Switzerland are already considered “Definitely endangered", and two more that are vulnerable. The country of Switzerland is trying to preserve not only the languages, but also the culture and the people who speak it. We feel that letting a language become extinct is also letting a culture die.
Switzerland believes that being a multicultural society will bring exposure to new cultures, leading to less racism, and teach skills of tolerance, and eventually acceptance. These other languages will open up new culture allowing there to be different religious groups, sexual orientations, and even political views. We believe that becoming a multicultural country will open up our horizons and allow people to feel safe and welcome in our country.
Switzerland is aware that this is a worldwide issue, and we are passing laws designed to protect and preserve these endangered languages. As a country with many languages we feel that it is our responsibility to help and protect our people. Switzerland believes that with these languages people can encounter different cultures never seen or heard before. We are trying everything in our power to save these languages and we believe that if everyone is willing to do the same, these languages can be saved and preserved.
