Why bother to teach indigenous languages?

... to keep the culture alive and well through many more generations.

Read these very carefully:

Endangered Languages | Linguistic Society of America
http://www.linguisticsociety.org/content/endangered-languages
The Consequences of Language Loss. Sociolinguists and anthropological linguists are only now beginning to understand the effects of language loss or shift on ...

What Happens When a Language Dies? -
National Geographic
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/.../090226--dying-languages-india-missions.html
Feb 26, 2009 - ON TV:The Linguists, about endangered languages around the globe, airs in the United States on ... The effects could be culturally devastating.

Endangered language - Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_language
Jump to Effects on languages - During language loss — sometimes referred to as obsolescence in the linguistic literature — the language that is ...

because we're different in this world

The question of why it is important to teach indigenous languages is multifaceted, and there are several reasons to consider:

1. Cultural Preservation: Indigenous languages are an integral part of a community's cultural heritage. They hold a wealth of knowledge, traditions, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down for generations. By promoting and teaching indigenous languages, we can preserve and celebrate the unique identities and cultural diversity of indigenous communities.

2. Identity and Sense of Belonging: Language is closely tied to identity and personal expression. Speaking one's indigenous language fosters a sense of belonging and pride in one's heritage. It helps individuals connect with their ancestors, their community, and their roots. By maintaining and teaching indigenous languages, we support the well-being and self-esteem of indigenous people.

3. Inter-Generational Bonding: Language serves as a means of communication and connection within families and communities. When young people can learn and communicate in their indigenous language, it strengthens bonds between generations. Elderly community members, who often possess a deep knowledge of traditional practices and wisdom, can pass down their knowledge more effectively when they can communicate in the language they grew up speaking.

4. Linguistic Diversity: Language diversity is essential for an inclusive and enriching global society. Every language carries unique ways of understanding and experiencing the world. Preserving indigenous languages can contribute to the overall richness and diversity of human languages, fostering a more vibrant global cultural landscape.

5. Educational Advantages: Studies have shown that being bilingual or multilingual has cognitive benefits, such as enhanced critical thinking skills, mental flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. By teaching indigenous languages, we provide indigenous children with the opportunity to develop additional linguistic skills that can positively impact their overall cognitive development and future educational prospects.

Overall, teaching indigenous languages is crucial for preserving culture, fostering identity, strengthening inter-generational bonds, promoting linguistic diversity, and providing educational advantages to indigenous communities. It should be seen as a valuable investment in cultural heritage and the well-being of indigenous individuals and societies.