Sydenham High School GDST was treated to an inspiring assembly by passionate Languages teacher, Mrs George, who shared her insights on the profound impact of language, and explored how language goes beyond words to create meaningful connections between people.
Angela Carter once wrote: “Language is power, life, and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation.”
This sentiment was illustrated through historical examples, such as the suppression of Korean under Japanese rule (1910–1945) and the discrimination against Catalan in Francoist Spain. These instances highlight how language can be politically charged, carrying the weight of identity and resistance.
Language is not merely about words; it is about belonging. A poignant moment came when a Year 13 Spanish student, Yasmin, shared her personal reflection: “Swahili is more than just a language; it’s a connection to my roots and my culture. Being bilingual is a gift. It allows me to see the world from different perspectives, to connect with more people, and to appreciate diversity in a way that only languages can offer.”
Her words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the idea that the languages we speak shape who we are.
But how multilingual is Sydenham High? The statistic within the school revealed that more than 30 languages are spoken across the school community, with efforts made to offer GCSEs in pupils’ mother tongues whenever possible. This rich linguistic diversity solidifies Sydenham’s role as a global community.
As we approach February 21, the silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day, it is vital to recognise the importance of linguistic diversity. The day commemorates four young students in Bangladesh who were martyred in 1952 for their right to speak Bengali. Today, the day stands as a global reminder of the value of protecting languages and their speakers.
Despite global efforts, linguistic diversity faces immense challenges. An alarming 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are endangered. Languages are disappearing due to displacement, generational shifts, and lack of preservation efforts. Indonesia alone has over 400 endangered languages. The UN’s 2007 resolution for “the promotion and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world” reminds us of the urgent need to act.
The loss of language equates to more than just the loss of words. It signifies a loss of cultural knowledge, traditions, and even environmental wisdom. For instance, indigenous languages often contain extensive knowledge about local ecosystems, which could be lost forever if these languages disappear.
But languages also enrich our daily lives in surprising ways. Many words and phrases in English have been borrowed from other languages. Hindi, for example, has given us words like pyjamas, jungle, loot, and shampoo. Other languages offer beautiful untranslatable words that capture emotions and experiences we might otherwise struggle to express. A favourite among the audience was mångata (Swedish), describing the shimmering road-like reflection of the moon on water.
So, what can you do to celebrate and protect languages?
- Explore projects like Wikitongues, which is creating a global language seedbank.
- Learn an endangered language through platforms like Mango Languages.
- Support organisations like Living Tongues, which document and preserve minority languages.
- See if your school offers a Language Club, like Sydenham High School, to delve into linguistic origins and their future.
Remember the words of Mark Abley from Travels Among Threatened Languages: “Reviving languages depends on a shared commitment. Every word is a fresh hope. Every hope is a fresh word.”
Let’s stand up, speak out, and celebrate the richness of linguistic diversity.