Topic: 2024-Indigenous Languages
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Kaitlyn Gruber
SOCHUM
Topic: 2024-Indigenous Languages
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Kaitlyn Gruber
Indigenous Languages GLIMUN
Language is the cornerstone of our world; it provides a vessel through which we establish connections. However, indigenous languages, the foundation of much of the world’s linguistic diversity, are disappearing at an alarming rate, threatening cultural preservation and identity across the globe. Every two weeks, an indigenous language dies out, and it is projected that by 2100, at least 95% of all indigenous languages may become extinct or seriously endangered. Australia serves as a prime example of this crisis. Though it accounts for only 2% of the world’s spoken languages, Australia represents an astonishing 9% of critically endangered languages. Of the 123 indigenous languages still spoken in Australia, 109 are considered endangered. The causes of this alarming trend are rooted in underrepresentation and marginalization. Indigenous languages vanish when native speakers die without passing their knowledge to future generations or when smaller languages are forced to compete with dominant global ones. Recognizing the cultural, social, and historical significance of preserving these languages, the United Nations has taken numerous measures to address this issue. One such initiative is the World Atlas of Languages, which serves as a global resource for monitoring linguistic diversity and vitality. The UN also collaborates directly with indigenous communities, governments, and NGOs to support language revitalization by promoting digital tools, intergenerational learning programs, and policies advocating for legal recognition of indigenous languages. To amplify these efforts, the United Nations created the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which encourages policies that promote indigenous languages as official languages and support community-led initiatives. Furthermore, the UN declared the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), aiming to ensure access to education and technology, promote linguistic diversity in media, and support community-led documentation and revitalization projects. Additionally, the UN has integrated language preservation into its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through Goal 4 (Quality Education), which promotes multilingual education, and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which addresses the marginalization of indigenous communities, including their linguistic rights. While these actions represent a significant start, more coordinated and sustained global efforts are essential to ensure the survival of indigenous languages for future generations.
Argentina is eager to address this pressing issue, which affects nations worldwide. In Argentina, the loss of indigenous languages has profound cultural, social, and historical consequences. It threatens the cultural identity and rich heritage of our indigenous communities, including the Mapuche, Quechua, and Guarani peoples. This loss diminishes traditional knowledge, history, and diversity, which are integral to our national identity. Socially, it exacerbates marginalization and limits access to education, employment, and participation in broader society for indigenous groups. To combat this issue, Argentina has taken decisive measures. Our constitution formally recognizes indigenous languages, reflecting our nation’s commitment to preserving them. Through the National Education Law No. 26.206, Argentina has emphasized intercultural and bilingual education to ensure that indigenous languages are taught alongside Spanish. Moreover, we actively support cultural revitalization initiatives and collaborate with global efforts such as UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, working to protect and promote linguistic diversity on an international scale. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Indigenous languages must be more fully integrated into public life, education, and media to ensure their survival.
Going into this comity session, Argentina would be pleased to see proposals involving formally acknowledging indigenous languages and including indigenous peoples and their customs. We also hope to see the recognition of and preservation of indigenous lands, as well as adoption of educational efforts such as teaching a variety of indigenous languages in schools. However, just making base line effort to include this in the educational curriculum won’t be enough and more steps need to be taken. For example, in Argentina, this was done unsuccessfully leading to limited exposure for younger generations and a continued decline in fluency among indigenous communities; this is often due to a lack of qualified teachers and curriculum materials in indigenous languages. Argentina looks forward to collaborating with other nations to develop innovative strategies and robust international policies to address this shared challenge. Together, we can preserve indigenous languages and the cultural heritage they represent for future generations.
