Topic: Preservation of Endangered Languages
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Mario Lei
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Sweden position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
There are approximately more than 6000 languages in the world. According to UNESCO’s estimations, half of those languages will go extinct by the end of the 21st century. Many of those languages are not taught to the younger generations due to social and economic pressures; they die out with the elders that speak those languages. Languages are essential for the understanding and appreciation of our ancestors’ culture, literature, art, and traditions. By allowing these languages to go extinct, we are allowing valuable sources of rich and diverse cultural knowledge to go to waste.
Sweden has many endangered languages including: Dalecarlian, Gutnish, Lule Saami, North Saami, Pite Saami, Scanian, South Saami, Ume Saami, and Yiddish. All of the Saami dialects are spoken by the Saami people. Unfortunately, many Saami do not speak the language due to historical assimilation policies. Those who do speak a Saami dialect number to a little more than 15,000 people.
The Kingdom of Sweden has taken measures in the past to ensure the protection of these languages. In 2009, the Language Act of 2009 was passed, allowing those who speak any language, to have the opportunity to develop, use, and promote that language. Public sectors would be responsible for the cultivation, promotion and protection of languages.
The Kingdom of Sweden instills the right of language to all people. Individuals should be given the right to speak their mother language freely without any restraints. Schools should offer other languages as optional parts of their curriculum. Documentation of these languages is also highly advised. The Kingdom of Sweden is confident that with these provisions, more languages away from extinction.
