Topic: 2024-Indigenous Languages
Country: Niger
Delegate Name: Emma Lairet-Sorensen
The delegation of Niger believes Indigenous languages need to be protected. Conservatives predict that over half of the world’s indigenous languages will be extinct by 2100. These languages are important to their people, not only for communication, but also for their religion, beliefs, and culture. Since 40% of the world’s languages are considered indigenous, they are important to protect, expand, and broaden. If more and more languages die, so do their traditions and ways of life, and the next generations do not have ties back to their heritage.
The UN has responded to this issue in many ways, but policies, intentions, and plans must be taken to the next step. One organization that has been consistently pushed to take action to protect indigenous languages is The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Since 2003 they have been urging governments to bring indigenous languages into public spaces and indigenous territories. They have also tried to set up sites where students can study or learn languages in colleges and universities. People can visit these places to learn more about the languages and indigenous people and could choose to help preserve them by learning the language. One hope is that if they know they have ties to that culture; they will want to learn more about their heritage. There have also been many suggestions for these languages to be put into children’s education and be used in training. Another action-driven organization is the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. It dates from 2022-2032 and its goal is to help the critical situations of indigenous languages by drawing global attention and to get resources to help the preservation and protection of the languages.
Niger has many indigenous people and tribes. Some examples are the Tuareg, Fulani, and Toubou, and they make up about 18% of Niger’s population. Niger does teach a few Indigenous languages in their school systems and has been implementing language for a long time. The 1998 Law of Orientation states that French, and the 5 Indigenous languages; Fulfulde, Hausa, Zarma, Kanuri, and Tamajaq will all be taught.
Continuing to teach these languages in education systems can be helpful to keep cultures going. Having a thriving Indigenous community starts with language. If the kids learn the language at an early age, the languages will continue living for longer. Indigenous speakers speaking their languages in public can also help preserve them. Being able to communicate using their language in any area is good for spreading the language and awareness. Niger believes that students being able to learn their language helps them express themselves and explore their heritage, which is why putting them into education is important. Partnerships between tribes and universities can be useful for spreading the languages. Getting more people interested in the languages can make people want to learn them, and more people learning the language makes it less likely to die or go extinct.
The delegation of Niger would support resolutions to put more Indigenous languages in education systems and universities. Allowing children and students the opportunity to study Indigenous culture is an excellent way to let them thrive. Whether learning out of curiosity about heritage or in general, it is good to learn indigenous languages.
