Endangered Cultures - A Language Disappears Every 14 Days
2,500 languages worldwide that are at risk of disappearing with each one representing a culture and way of life. My dream assignment is to document and capture images of many of these cultures before they disappear permanently.
The human race is diverse with 7000 languages and 16,000 people groups, but our diversity is disappearing without most of us realizing it. Each culture and language provides a glimpse into what it means to be human. A recent report by UNESCO shows that 2,500 languages are at risk of disappearing. A language along with its culture disappear every 14 days. Languages on every continent (except Antarctica) are in danger of becoming extinct. When these languages die, a part of the human race dies too.
Each of these languages and cultures represents the rich diversity of the human race. Each person has a story to tell and in many cultures they have their rich oral tradition that they can share. Traditions that include histories, stories, beliefs, and songs that were passed on to each younger generation. Hundreds and thousands of years of knowledge about the natural world is contained within these cultures. Knowledge about life, local plants, animals, and ecosystems.
My idea is to document through photography and interviews at least 5 to 10 of these endangered cultures before we lose them forever. I want to give particular focus to the cultures most a risk and that have less than 1,000 people.
I want to get to know the people, their way of life, and their struggles. My desire is to tell their story through photographs and words so that others can learn from them because the more we learn from other cultures the more we learn about ourselves.
27 Comments
This is an amazing statistic and one that we should all be concerned about. The world will be the loser if you don't get to do your project
Great Plan. Variety is the spice of life, we need to encourage it in every part.
You have my vote.
You have a great idea here and it would enlighten all who read your text and
view your photographs. Can't imagine anyone's interest not been heightened
just by the statistics you provide. Best wishes. mary and ken hixson
You have my vote! Good luck Mark!
What a great idea, Mark. Good luck
Hi there! Thanks for your comment! Good luck to you--please keep in touch. Have you worked in this area at all? If not, I can give you some ideas for contacts if you win...
Take care,
Diane
Hi Clayjar,
Just FYI I did vote for your idea. What is your background, by the way? I am a human rights worker.
Best
Diane (shelteringtree)
Good ideas like yours that are not in the Top 100 are nearly impossible to find. This is unfair as many great ideas are hidden. Those of us in the “Sub-100” should work together to promote the best projects of the Sub-100 so that they can be in the Top 100 and be seen. Please vote for best Sub-100s!
great idea! no past = no future. we need that
Good ideas like yours that are not in the Top 100 are nearly impossible to find. This is unfair as many great ideas are hidden. Those of us in the “Sub-100” should work together to promote the best projects of the Sub-100 so that they can be in the Top 100 and be seen. Please vote for best Sub-100s!
I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...
Bless you! I can't wait to see your photos - Wonderful idea & great dream! Best of luck and you have my "PIC" - please check out my dream of furthering peaceful coexistence between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. Thanks!!
pic'd it. thank you.. Wonderful. Please visit my dream and vote/comment. thanks
What an awesome idea. I sincerely hope you win!
Really? I dated a linquist for awhile. Weird girl but I'm voting for you -- feel free to return the favor and vote for my project on land seizures, political upheaval and the overall struggles of daily life in Zimbabwe.
Good luck Mark!
Let me know when you win!
Michael, Mary & Gideon
Go Mark!
Good luck Mark! I hope you win. :)
You have my vote, If you get the chance, check out my dream "From Australia With Love" and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for it!
Thanks.
-Adam
Best wishes. Becky
Thank you! I voted for you as well.
i responded in my comments to your questions about my project. i voted for yours too by the way (and not to trade, as i've already "cashed out"). plus that whole thing is bs anyway.
i support your project 100 percent, and i hope you do it regardless! my own caddo language is almost gone, and i can't speak it myself. my family was ripped from it's culture and assimilated into manifest destiny. so i can relate brother! do it!
flickr.com/photos/joewhittle
keep me posted on your project! we may cross paths among the same cultures, who knows! i plan on doing mine regardless, and am going to pursue a sponsorship campaign to get it done.
Submitted by
clayjar
Great idea!! I hope you get the most votes, and everyone should vote for your excellent plan!
Good luck,
John