Preserving the original languages of ethnic groups to preserve traditional culture

Ethnic languages are the most powerful tool for preserving and developing heritage. All efforts to promote the dissemination of mother tongues aim not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingualeducation , but also to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to spread a spirit of solidarity based on tolerance, understanding and dialogue.

Language plays an important role in development because it ensures cultural diversity and enables cultures to interact and exchange with each other. Language also helps to enhance cooperation, build inclusive knowledge societies, preserve cultural heritage and facilitate access to quality education for all. Each language is a unique semantic resource for understanding, writing and describing world realities. Mother tongues and linguistic diversity are important for defining the identity of individuals as a source of creativity and a means of cultural expression, ensuring the healthy development of society. A culture of peace can only be built in a space where all people have the right to use their mother tongue freely and fully in all different circumstances of life.

The policy of preserving and promoting the languages of ethnic minorities of our Party and State is consistent, correct and fully demonstrates the principle of equality and solidarity among ethnic groups living together on the territory of Vietnam. Since the First Congress of the Party (March 1935), it has been determined: "Ethnic groups are allowed to use their mother tongue in political , economic and cultural activities". That policy has been thoroughly implemented throughout the revolutionary stages of the nation. The Resolution of the 5th Central Conference, 8th tenure continues to determine: "Preserve and develop the languages and scripts of ethnic minorities. Along with the use of common languages and scripts, encourage the young generation of ethnic minorities to study, understand and use fluently the spoken and written languages of their ethnic groups". The Resolution of the 9th National Party Congress affirmed: "In addition to the common language, ethnic groups with their own written languages are encouraged to learn their ethnic languages... using their ethnic languages and written languages in mass media in ethnic minority areas."

Weeding at spring festivals contributes to preserving ethnic languages. Photo: The Vinh

Cao Bang is a settlement area of over 95% of ethnic minorities, creating a rich and diverse ethnic language. However, the trend of cultural integration has caused the mother tongue of many ethnic minorities to fade away. Recognizing the problem early, over the past many years, along with economic development, the work of preserving and promoting traditional cultural values through the languages of ethnic minorities has been preserved and promoted by functional agencies, at all levels, linguists, and cultural scientists. The province has implemented many solutions to preserve and develop the language, contributing to preserving the cultural identity of ethnic minority communities in the context of deep integration.

The current situation in cities, towns and townships is that there are not many young people who can speak their mother tongue, only the elderly can speak their mother tongue, and the middle-aged can still speak a few sentences of their own language. Through the research process, it is shown that there are many reasons leading to the risk of losing the language of ethnic minorities. The process of regional integration, international integration, especially in urban areas, towns and townships...; in each family and community, the language of their ethnic group is not often used; the living environment is too isolated or mixed in areas where other ethnic minorities have larger populations; the development of socio-economic conditions also easily leads to the risk of losing the language; the issue of teaching is not interested or focused on; the support of specialized agencies and local authorities has not really brought about effectiveness. To overcome all obstacles to the goal of researching, preserving and promoting the languages of ethnic minorities in ethnic communities, authorities at all levels need to continue to develop plans, have effective solutions and correct decisions to continue to preserve and promote the languages of ethnic groups. Especially in each family, clan, residential area, and in each ethnic group, it is necessary to proactively teach the mother tongue to the next generations.

Despite many ups and downs, ethnic minorities, linguists, and scientists have always strived to preserve languages, spoken languages, and ethnic languages. Because language is the soul of a nation. Language is a tool of thought, of communication, and language is also a tool to convey an entire culture and a national spirit. Preserving, maintaining, and promoting the values of ethnic minority languages is also preserving, maintaining, and promoting the values and cultural identities of ethnic minorities in the ethnic minority community.

Language is not only the most powerful tool to preserve and develop the tangible and intangible heritage of each nation, but also plays an important role in the development of humanity, ensuring cultural diversity and promoting the process of exchange and inheritance of the quintessence of each nation's cultures.

Thien Phuoc

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/bao-ton-ngon-ngu-goc-cua-cac-dan-toc-de-bao-ton-van-hoa-truyen-thong-3176582.html