The Importance of Protecting Linguistic Diversity

As the rate of language extinction accelerates, the task of safeguarding linguistic diversity has become more urgent than ever before. It is crucial for us to first understand how a language disappears, the process of language extinction, in order to realize the importance of protecting linguistic diversity.

Firstly, languages are fragile. Due to the connection between culture and language, when one culture is replaced by another, the old language associated with the old culture also disappears. Additionally, when the number of users of a language is very small, the language may face the risk of extinction, as it may be too late to protect the language at that point. Secondly, the developments of industrialization and globalization aim at blending different languages, leading to linguistic homogenization. Furthermore, languages carry cultures. The disappearance of a language signifies a reduction in cultural diversity, making the task of protecting linguistic diversity more urgent than ever before.

But how can we protect them? Reviving languages requires collective help from society, proactive actions, and financial investments. We must realize that the harm caused by the reduction of linguistic diversity is as severe as the harm caused by the reduction of biodiversity. Linguistic diversity, which should have received attention, still lacks sufficient focus. In conclusion, as the disappearance of a language is rapid, and human progress requires cultural diversity to be preserved, with language being the guardian of cultural diversity, protecting linguistic diversity is an urgent task for all.

Furthermore, regarding some current educational programs in schools aimed at reducing the number of languages taught, I would like to express my opposition.

Firstly, on the necessity for students to learn multiple languages, foreign languages help us understand others, open our minds, and lead us towards other cultures. It is well known that language functions to transmit culture, knowledge, and ideas. As understanding a country's culture also involves its language, learning languages plays a crucial role in avoiding the loss of cultural uniqueness. Moreover, learning languages allows students to immerse themselves in various cultures.

Secondly, according to the Figueira Health Report, individuals who speak multiple languages can better extract sounds in noisy environments and are better at preventing dementia in old age.

Thirdly, personally, I speak multiple languages and am very grateful for the benefits I have gained from this. If deprived of the opportunity to learn multiple languages, I would deeply regret it. Speaking multiple languages makes my thinking more flexible, opens my mind to a greater extent, and to some extent, enriches my understanding of diverse cultural treasures. Lastly, I sincerely recommend retaining all language courses in the educational system.

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