We are all aware of the arguments for biodiversity and the general concern expressed about the state of the natural world.
We have all heard about Global Warming and the loss of animal and plant species it may induce, yet many are unaware of the threat to linguistic diversity.
As 5,000 languages may be lost by end of this century and each one of these takes with it the histories, mythologies, philosophies, sciences, jokes, songs, riddles and superstitions of its community of speakers.
Language is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but it forges friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships
Throughout history, many have reflected on the importance of language. For instance, the scholar Benjamin Whorf has noted that language shapes thoughts and emotions, determining one’s perception of reality. John Stuart Mill said that:
"Language is the light of the mind"
For the linguist Edward Sapir, language is not only a vehicle for the expression of thoughts, perceptions, sentiments, and values characteristic of a community; it also represents a fundamental expression of social identity. Sapir said:
"the mere fact of a common speech serves as a peculiar potent symbol of the social solidarity of those who speak the language."
In short, language retention helps maintain feelings of cultural kinship.
In the world today multilingualism is being recognised as an asset, not only in bringing people from different cultures and traditions together, but also because each language reflects community knowledge, a different view on the world. Different ways of thinking and approaching problems are now being actively viewed as an important resource in the world. This variation in how we see things drives innovation and a dynamic world economy.
This is expressed by Micheál Cronin The author of An Ghaeilge sa Nua Aois :
“it would be tantamount to political, social and cultural suicide to relinquish the very extensive and distinctive (because not existing elsewhere) cognitive and aesthetic resources available in Irish language and culture. For even the most aggressively philistine pragmatist, such abandonment would represent a serious narrowing of the basis for any future knowledge society that might be constructed on the island”
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