Topic: Preservation of Endangered Languages
Country: Congo
Delegate Name: Erin Lynn
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Congo position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
As globalization becomes predominant, many peoples are finding it more profitable to learn a lingua franca, thus abandoning their native language. In many smaller or developing nations, the schools teach the language that is common in a larger area, and that will help children succeed beyond the confines of their village. An example of this is Swahili in Africa. The problem with this is that, if the children leave to seek their fortunes in cities, they may lose the opportunity to speak the local vernacular. They do not speak the language with their children, and years later, the only speakers left are a small group of elders.
This process of more widely-used languages replacing localized ones began centuries ago, with the onset of colonization. Thus, any effective solution will take years. The Congo Republic believes that we need to focus on education in order to revitalize endangered languages. More specifically, we should encourage bilingual education. Teaching a local language and a national or international language will prepare children for making a better future for themselves, while enabling them to hold on to their cultural heritage.
But another problem arises in how we can keep these children using their local vernacular. Should national and local governments use local languages in signs and other forms of communication? Should parents be encouraged to speak and teach local languages to their children? These questions are a few that the Republic of the Congo believes the committee should probe for solutions.
The committee also should consider specific elements of making bilingual education available. Should NGOs be utilized? How much of a role should governments play? In developing nations, where should funding come from? Which languages should be taught in each nation?
The Republic of the Congo hopes that the committee can pass a resolution that will effectively revitalize endangered languages and prevent others from becoming endangered, thus helping nations preserve their cultural heritage and preventing smaller nations from becoming cultural clones of more powerful ones.
