‘We’re a bit jealous of Kneecap’: how Europe’s minority tongues are facing the digital future | Stephen Burgen
In a recent gathering in Barcelona, representatives from around Europe convened to address the critical issues surrounding minority languages, or “minoritised” languages, and the implications of their potential extinction. This event highlighted the deep connection between language and identity, encapsulated by the Irish saying, “tír gan teanga, tír gan anam,” which translates to “a country without a language is a country without a soul.” As globalization and digitalization continue to dominate communication, many of Europe’s estimated 60 minority languages face the risk of disappearing, leading to a significant loss of cultural heritage and social diversity.
One of the stark examples discussed was the plight of the Breton language, which is experiencing a sharp decline as its speakers age and younger generations gravitate towards more dominant languages. The challenge of preserving these languages is compounded by the pervasive influence of monolingual digital platforms, which often prioritize widely spoken languages over regional dialects. The conference underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to engage younger audiences and foster an environment where minority languages can thrive. This includes educational initiatives, community programs, and increased visibility in media and technology, all aimed at revitalizing these languages and ensuring their transmission to future generations.
The discussions in Barcelona reflect a broader concern for linguistic diversity as a vital component of social well-being. The loss of a language signifies not just the disappearance of words, but also the erosion of unique worldviews and cultural practices tied to that language. As Europe grapples with these challenges, the commitment to preserving minority languages becomes essential not only for cultural identity but also for fostering inclusivity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. The conversations initiated in Barcelona are a crucial step toward recognizing and addressing the complexities of language preservation in the face of modernity.
What does it mean to lose a language? And what does it take to save it? Those were the big questions being asked in Barcelona recently
There’s an Irish saying,
tír gan teanga, tír gan anam
: a country without a language is a country without a soul. Representatives of some of Europe’s estimated 60 minority languages – or minoritised, as they define them – met in Barcelona recently to discuss what it means to lose a language, and what it takes to save it.
Language diversity is akin to biodiversity, an indicator of social wellbeing, but some of Europe’s languages are falling into disuse. Breton, for example, is dying out because its speakers are dying, and keeping languages alive among young people is challenging in an increasingly monolingual digital world.
Stephen Burgen is a freelance writer who reports on Spain
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