Linguistic Human Rights
Language is more than a tool for communication; it is a carrier of culture, identity, and heritage.
Every individual uses language to express thoughts, emotions, traditions, and beliefs. When people
are denied the right to use their language, a part of their personal and cultural identity is threatened.
This idea forms the basis of Linguistic Human Rights (LHR). These rights ensure that every person
has the freedom to use, learn, and preserve their mother tongue without discrimination.
Linguistic Human Rights focus on protecting individuals and communities from being forced to
abandon their native languages. Around the world, thousands of languages are spoken, but many
of them are endangered due to globalization, migration, and dominant language pressures. When
people shift from their mother tongue to a more powerful language, they often do so for economic or
educational advantages. However, this shift can lead to the loss of linguistic diversity. LHR aims to
stop this loss by guaranteeing equal respect and opportunity for every language.
International organizations like UNESCO emphasize that language is a fundamental human right.
According to them, people should have access to education in their mother tongue, especially
during early childhood. Research shows that children learn better, understand concepts more
deeply, and build stronger cognitive skills when they study in their first language. Mother-tongue
education also strengthens confidence and helps in maintaining cultural pride. Without LHR,
children may feel alienated in schools where their home language is ignored or undervalued.
Another major aspect of Linguistic Human Rights is the protection of minority languages. Many
indigenous communities around the world face pressure to adopt majority languages. As a result,
their ancestral languages begin to fade, taking with them centuries of knowledge, oral literature,
and traditional wisdom. Providing legal and social support to these communities helps revive
endangered languages and preserves cultural diversity. Countries like New Zealand, Norway, and
India have taken steps to promote minority languages through policies, education, and media
support.
In India, linguistic rights hold great importance due to the country’s immense diversity. The Indian
Constitution recognizes 22 scheduled languages and protects the rights of linguistic minorities.
Article 29 and 30 safeguard the cultural and educational rights of these groups, allowing them to
establish their own institutions and preserve their mother tongues. This reflects the idea that
language is not just a mode of expression but also a symbol of collective identity.
However, challenges continue to exist. In many places, students face pressure to abandon their
regional or tribal languages in favour of English or other dominant languages. Globalization has
increased this pressure, making English almost mandatory for higher education and employment.
While learning global languages is beneficial, it should not come at the cost of losing one’s mother
tongue. The goal of LHR is not to reject powerful languages but to create a balance where
multilingualism is encouraged.
Promoting linguistic rights requires conscious efforts from governments, schools, and society.
Educational institutions can provide bilingual or multilingual education. Media and digital platforms
can create content in regional languages. Communities can preserve their languages through
storytelling, literature, festivals, and cultural programs. When languages are celebrated, they
become stronger.
In conclusion, Linguistic Human Rights ensure equality, protect cultural diversity, and preserve
human dignity. They remind us that every language—large or small—has value. Respecting
linguistic rights leads to a more inclusive world where people are free to learn, speak, and celebrate
their mother tongue without fear. As responsible citizens, we must recognize the importance of
every language and contribute to its preservation for future generations.
