 logo of IDIL | |
| Duration | 2022-2032 |
|---|---|
| Location | Globally |
| Also known as | IDIL 2022-32 |
| Theme | Preserving, Revitalizing and Promoting indigenous Languages |
| Footage | www.idil2022-2032.org |
International Decade of Indigenous Languages is an initiative launched by the United Nations with a mission to raise awareness on Indigenous language preservation, revitalization and promotion. The initiative is launched as per the suggestion from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues, the UN general assembly has declared the decade starting from 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.[1][2]
Background
UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages identifies that there are about 8324 languages of different forms as per various surveys. And 7000 languages out of this 8324 are said to be in use still. According to conservative projections more than half of the world's languages are going to be extinct by the end of the year 2100. To protect the linguistic diversity and the indigenous cultures and traditions, the United Nations has declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. Recognizing the importance of the requirement of sustained time investment for revitalization of Indigenous languages, the UN has declared 2022-32 as International Decade of Indigenous Languages as per the directions from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues.
Indigenous languages are integral to the cultural identity, heritage, and knowledge systems of indigenous communities across the globe. However, these languages have been increasingly endangered due to factors such as globalization, urbanization, and government policies that prioritize dominant languages. As a result, many indigenous languages are at risk of extinction. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which affirms the right of indigenous peoples to preserve, revitalize, and develop their languages, serves as the foundation for this program.