Role of Language Activists and Communities in Preservation of Indigenous Languages

The expert seminar “Preparing the International Decade of Indigenous Languages: Sharing Experiences on Preservation and Development of Languages” pointed out that an important role is assigned to language activists in the context of the ongoing “language shift”. It was noted that the work of preserving, reviving and developing the languages of Indigenous Peoples often rests on the shoulders of this small group of enthusiasts.

At the same time, activists often face uncertainty about their language skills and criticism from other members of their language communities. Being asked by researchers, language leaders emphasize high workload and burnout, disproportionate effort, insufficient financial and emotional support. These crisis phenomena in the social well-being of language activists cause anxiety.