Topic: 2024-Human Trafficking
Country: Viet Nam
Delegate Name: Navaneet Murali
Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee
Indigenous Languages
The Socialist Republic Of Vietnam
Nav Murali
Forest Hills Eastern
Indigenous languages are crucial to maintaining the ethnic identity and cultures of indigenous peoples. While all the indigenous languages put together take less than 6% of the globe, there are over 4,000 languages spoken. Notably these ethnic languages are disappearing at a high rate, with over 95% of 300 languages likely to be extinct by the year 2050. This jeopardizes the expression of diverse cultures. The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Article 13, articulates the right to revitalize, develop, use, and transmit these languages to future generations. In Vietnam, there are many languages such as Khmer, and Cham that are in danger.
Since the older generation is starting to pass, the younger generation prefers to use Vietnamese rather than the old indigenous languages. In order to solve this problem, currently the Vietnamese government is trying to adopt bilingualism programs in regions where ethnic minorities are mostly present. These programs try to bring about convenience in learning by gathering both Vietnamese and local indigenous languages together. However, this program appears at different levels and still has many difficulties. Another concept that Vietnam is currently implementing is the Cultural Preservation Initiative. Various programs and festivals promote the languages and awareness of the many ethnic minorities in Vietnam. It also promotes awareness among the newer generation to reach out and participate in their ethnic awareness. Also, Vietnam is cooperating with international bodies such as UNESCO through which it intends to align with global efforts at preserving linguistic diversity. In fact, partnerships translate to a framework and resources that can help keep the indigenous languages relevant in the country. Despite these, a number of challenges remain salient: limitations of resources, the dominance of Vietnamese in education, and comprehensive policy implementation.
In addressing this, policies should be geared toward measures that would encourage indigenous communities to establish educational buildings, increase access to language learning, and create awareness. This involves the use of digital tools, especially social media, and international collaboration, in preserving these languages. This way, the survival of the indigenous languages and their cultures can be secured.
