“A language spoken a language living.”
For Sir Tīmoti Karetu, the future of language conservation lies in revitalization and maintenance. Karetu, a Māori Language Advocate, was the keynote speaker at this year’s International Conference on Indigenous Language Documentation, Education, and Revitalization (ICILDER).
This year’s conference at Indiana University focuses on addressing “a cultural and historical emergency: the imminent eradication of Indigenous languages.” Language preservationists in attendance represent 40 Indigenous countries around the world.
Karetu’s keynote speech focused on the survival of Indigenous languages and how they can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
“You know, if you're gonna spend your time criticizing your younger generation, then your language is destined to go,” Karetu said.
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The conference comes during the “ International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2023)” declared by the United Nations last year. The UN recognized a decade instead of a year because revitalizing Indigenous languages requires sustained efforts.
As Karetu points out, a lot of aspects go into language including the ethos of language.
"The language has more than just words," Karetu said.
It’s also about culture and identity.
“My strong belief being that language and Kata should be in tandem, should go in tandem,” Karetu said.
The conference runs through Saturday and features musical and dance performances, cultural demonstrations, panels, and an Indigenous vendor hall.
