AFFIRMING IDENTITY, LANGUAGE, AND CULTURE Chapter 4

LANGUAGE In some cultures, language is identity. Many cultures have an oral history, that is, the story of their people has been passed on by stories told in their own language. As we discussed before, meaning can often be lost in translation. When a country’s story is translated into a new language, some of the tales’ meanings may be lost.

Opposing Viewpoint Some people feel that increased global communication will lead to a greater understanding among the peoples of the world. Some even feel that the world would be a better place if EVERYONE spoke the same language.

Endangered Languages 6000-7000!!! On average, one language disappears every two weeks. How many languages do you think are spoken on Earth?.......... 6000-7000!!! Of these, 96% of the languages are spoken by 4% of the population.

Most Popular Languages The 3 most common languages in the world are Chinese English And Spanish

Why Languages Disappear When Tevfik Esenç died in 1992 the Ubykh language also died with him. Esenç’s people came from an area that is now a part of Russia called Caucasus. This exists in Canada as well: The Nuuc’aaʼnu or Nootka language has been in decline for the past 100 years and is now only spoken by a few hundred people in the world.

Dominance of English English has become the major language of business, science, and the World Wide Web. The English language has dominated the internet, also, the internet was designed to work in the Roman alphabet, not the Arabic, Russian, Chinese or Japanese. This has meant that 90% of the internet material is in only 21 languages.

A Language War In 1948 Pakistan’s first Governor-General declared that Urdu would be the only official language of all Pakistan. At the time, Bangladesh was called East Pakistan and current day Pakistan was called West Pakistan. This language controversy eventually reached a point where the citizens in East Pakistan revolted.

Language War Cont’d February 21, 1952: several students and civilians lost their lives when police moved in to crack down on protesters in East Pakistan. This is now celebrated in Bangladesh as a national holiday known as LANGUAGE MARTYRS’ DAY.

United Nations Recognition UNESCO: the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO declared February 21, 1952 International Mother Language Day. The UN recognized how important it was that people fought to maintain their language and culture.

Affirming your Identity There are many ways groups can affirm their identity. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an excellent local example of this.

Ukrainian Village Cont’d The Ukrainian Village provides an opportunity for people of Ukrainian descent to celebrate their heritage. Many aspects of Ukrainian life are displayed including religion, food, dancing, music and language among others. Can you think of any other examples of places that allow people to celebrate their heritage?

Cultural Revitalization – Challenges and Opportunities Globalization has been described as an “industrial strength blender” for cultures. The First Nations University of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan is an example of acculturation. It provides a school for native students to learn for the future while being surrounded from aspects of their past.

First Nations University of Canada The architect that designed the university, Douglas Cardinal, designed the main foyer to have a futuristic tipi (teepee). Linking the past and the future.

Museums Over the past few centuries many artifacts had been collected from native tribes in Canada and the USA. The artifacts were sent around the world to many museums. Now, the tribes to which these treasures belong, want them back.

2 Sides of the Story Tribes believe that these treasures are their rightful property and should be returned immediately. Others say that it is important to have some artifacts from other cultures in museums to further our understanding of others. How do you feel?

The Kainai In May 2002, the Kainai people created an exhibit of 250 artifacts. These were lent to them by the British Museum and other museums in Canada. During the month before the exhibit opened the Elders helped to select the items and displayed them in an appropriate manner. Do you see this as a positive step?

How do governments affirm Culture and Language? Canadian Government: Policy of Multiculturalism – protect all cultures Promotion of Cultural Diversity – Multiculturalism Day Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – Individual rights and freedoms of culture and diversity Language Protection – Official Languages Act

CCRF Guarantees Individual and Collective rights in Canada freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of belief, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and of other media of communication, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association Mobility rights, Legal rights, Equality rights, Language rights, and Minority language education rights

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Controls Canadian Content on TV and Radio and Foreign ownership of media and telecommunications in Canada Thirty per cent of music played by Canadian radio stations and 60 per cent of programming on Canadian TV stations must be Canadian.

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization Role is to promote education and scientific discovery worldwide Promote and Protect Culture Worldwide – International Mother Tongue Day.

La Francophonie International organization of French Speaking Countries Hold games and summits to discuss issues facing all members Opportunity to compete in athletics and theatrical events.