White paper for indigenous languages being laid – Guyana prepares to celebrate int’l year of indigenous languages 2019
DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, May 3, 2018
The government is in the process of laying out a “white paper” to facilitate the observance of International Day of Indigenous Languages, slated for 2019.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, last Friday, encouraged leaders of indigenous communities to come on board and make their contribution towards the process.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.
“Make it big, make it grand. It is us, that is our strength, that is our life,” he told the village leaders, at Bina Hill in Annai, Region Nine. The minister said the indigenous communities have been encouraged by the government to come up with ideas “so that projects could be put forward for next year.”
The year-long observance of indigenous languages is the brainchild of the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). According to the organisation, languages play a crucially important role in the daily lives of all peoples, with their implications for identity, cultural diversity, social integration, communication, education and development.
Through languages, it is said, people not only embed their history, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking, meaning and expression but more importantly, construct their future.
Indigenous languages, in particular, are a significant factor in a wide range of other indigenous issues, notably education, scientific and technological development, biosphere and the environment, freedom of expression, employment and social inclusion.
In response to these threats, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a Resolution on ‘Rights of Indigenous Peoples’, proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
For the organisation of the 2019 International Year, a range of stakeholders will be involved in the preparation of the Action Plan which would provide guidance for a joint collaborative action by all stakeholders in order to achieve maximum coordinated impact and social change in society regarding the indigenous languages and their speakers.
A large number of events relating to indigenous languages will be held, as well as a series of national and international expert meetings and initiatives will be launched around the world.
By: Alexis Rodney.