In
an era of globalization,
we face rapid change,
economic, social, political
and cultural. Communications
extend beyond borders
into remote areas. The
languages and cultures
of minority groups are
at risk of being lost.
This threatens language
and cultural diversity
in the same way as biological
diversity is threatened.
Many linguists forecast
that by the end of this
century 90% of the world’s
6,000 languages will have
become extinct. International
and national languages
will remain.
However,
many people still don’t
realize how seriously
endangered the languages
and cultures of ethnic
groups are, and the loss
of diversity will have
on humanity. The crisis
advances step by step
towards a fragmented society,
loss of confidence and
instability. The first
important thing to do
is raise awareness and
urgently seeks solutions.
It means education and
the method of revitalization
and maintenance of endangered
languages and cultures,
especially synthesizing
knowledge gained from
experience and study of
the revitalization of
languages in South East
Asia and Thailand. Currently
most revitalization activities
focus on languages where
the economic, social,
political and cultural
environment is different.
The Research Institute
for Language and Culture
of Asia has set up the
Resource Center for Revitalization
and Maintenance of Endangered
Languages and Cultures
in order to serve as center
of education, study, and
ideas exchange for revitalizing
ethnic languages for local
and foreign academics.
The
main propose is to study
and record languages and
cultures through research
and publication of dictionaries,
folk tales and folk music.
The
second propose is to coordinate
with communities to hold
activities for the revitalization
of languages and cultures
to raise awareness and
interest. We hold practical
conferences, training
courses, and promote locally,
nationally, and internationally,
including advice on the
study and revitalization
of languages, editing
folk tale books, and organizing
local courses and community
study centers.
Location:
2nd Fl. The Research Institute
for Language and Culture
of Asia
Service
hours: 9.30 –
16.00 hrs
Contact:
Nara, Mayuree Tel. (662)
800-2308-14 ext. 3115,
3218, 3215 |
